Life Cycles

 

In times of simcha or in times that call for support, Beth Sholom is here for your life cycle needs. Read on to learn about the rabbinic and communal services we offer.

 
 

Baby Namings/Bris

Rabbi Sammy can help welcome your child into the Jewish community with the Jewish ritual of a Baby Naming or Bris. This can take place in your home or at the synagogue. Rabbi Sammy will work with you prior to the simcha to think through your hopes for the event and various honors for family members.

If you need help thinking of a Hebrew name for your child, please reach out to Rabbi Sammy, who is happy to brainstorm with you.

In the event of a bris, Rabbi Sammy works with our local mohalim who perform the circumcision. 

For all members of Beth Sholom, working with Rabbi Sammy for your child’s baby naming or bris is a benefit of your membership. For non-members, the fee is $300.

For more information, please reach out to Rabbi Sammy.

B’nai Mitzvah

We are thrilled to work with your family as your child becomes a Bar or Bat Mitzvah - a child of the commandments. Typically, our students lead part of the service, chant Torah and Haftarah, and offer a d’var Torah. Our B’nai Mitzvah spend many months with our volunteer tutors, and they meet with Rabbi Sammy weekly for 6-8 weeks to prepare their d’var Torah. While most of our B’nai Mitzvah are on Shabbat mornings, there is not one standard way for a child to celebrate their entrance into Jewish adulthood, and we are happy to help craft the ceremony that’s right for you and your child.

Engaging with and celebrating teens and their families around their B’nai Mitzvah is an incredibly meaningful time for the Beth Sholom community. Families typically choose a date for their child’s simcha 18 months in advance, and must be members of Beth Sholom Synagogue. For more information about B’nai Mitzvah, please be in touch with our Executive Director, Scott Giles

Weddings

Rabbi Sammy loves to be a part of this special moment in a couple’s life, and performs weddings for couples where both individuals are Jewish. If you are interested in working with Rabbi Sammy for him to officiate your wedding, please be in touch with him before securing your date.

Rabbi Sammy will work with each couple for many months leading up to their wedding to plan the ceremony together, deepen their understanding of a Jewish wedding, and navigate any difficulties that arise.

For members of Beth Sholom, Rabbi Sammy’s officiation at your ceremony is included in your membership. For children of current members, the fee is $1,800, and for non-Beth Sholom members, the fee is $3,000.

If you have further questions reach out to Rabbi Sammy.

Funerals

Being a part of a family’s story as they say goodbye to departed loved ones is some of the most sacred work that we do as a community. In the event that someone has passed away, please reach out to Rabbi Sammy on the Pastoral Emergency line (901) 205-9141‬. Please also reach out to Canale Funeral Directors at 901-452-6400.

Rabbi Sammy will work with you and your family and guide you through planning for a funeral. Please be in touch with him with any questions.

Click here for more information on Beth Sholom Memorial Gardens and mourning rituals.