Jewish circumcision, or brit milah, is an ancient biblical commandment.

The ceremony involves many players, including the mohel who circumcizes the baby boy, and several family members.

PIDYON HABEN

The pidyon haben (Hebrew: פדיון הבן) or redemption of the first-born (if male and not by caesarean) is a mitzvah in Judaism whereby a Jewish firstborn son is “redeemed” by use of silver coins. Interpretations differ in what the firstborn son is to be redeemed from, ranging from being redeemed from their firstborn status, which garnered negative connotations after the Ten Plagues, or their obligation to serve as a priest.

The redemption is attained by paying five silver coins to a kohen (a patrilineal descendant of the priestly family of Aaron), on behalf of one’s firstborn son.

A Bar or Bat Mitzvah is a coming of age ceremony for Jewish boys and girls when they reach the age of 12 or 13. This ceremony marks the time when a boy or girl becomes a Jewish adult.

This means that they are now responsible for their own actions and can decide for themselves how they would like to practice Judaism.

Preparation includes learning about Hebrew and Judaism and then practicing your Torah portion so that you may lead all or part of your service.

A Jewish wedding is a wedding ceremony that follows Jewish laws and traditions. While wedding ceremonies vary, common features of a Jewish wedding include a ketubah which is signed by two witnesses, a huppah, a ring owned by the groom that is given to the bride under the canopy, and the breaking of a glass. 

Read about the 7 Blessings (Sheva Berakhot) here.

When death occurs, there are many Jewish traditions, customs and rituals that individuals use as a guide and follow relating to the caring and preparation of the body pre-burial, the actual burial and service at the cemetery, along with the weeklong mourning period (or “shiva”) that follows.

Most notably, Judaism’s structured period of mourning, which contains various stages for grieving, is considered extremely helpful, because each stage focuses on honoring and commemorating those who are gone, yet it gives appropriate time and ways to grieve and cope with loss.

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One of the most sacred rituals observed by all Jews throughout the generations is the practice of reciting the Kaddish prayer for those who have passed on from physical life.

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