Lifecycle Events & Simchas

The most important part of synagogue life is having a community to support you during your most exciting and most difficult life moments. Our clergy are here to ensure you are prepared for these important lifecycle events:

B’nai Mitzvah (Teen & Adult)

Hamakom is known for the way in which b’nai mizvah children (and adults) are involved in their b’nai mitzvah services. Our clergy prepares each individual to conduct prayers, read from the Torah, chant the Haftorah and deliver their own special interpretation of what their Torah portion has taught them ethically. Parents participate in the services, and speak to their child about the important Jewish meaning of this lifecycle moment.

• Click here for B'nai Mitzvah resources and documents

Weddings/Auf Rufs

Everybody loves a wedding, especially at Hamakom. An auf ruf celebrates the upcoming marriage with both bride and groom receiving special blessings from the Rabbi and the entire congregation before the Torah. Wedding ceremonies can be held in the sanctuary or outdoors. Wedding dinners, buffets, and luncheons my be catered by your choice from our panel of approved caterers and prepared in our own kosher kitchen.

Baby Namings/Brit Milah

One of our most joyous religious events is the giving of a Jewish name to our new babies. Special prayers are said for the parents and babies. Baby namings can be held at either Friday night or Shabbat morning services, or at a special private ceremony and celebration. Our clergy gladly take part in the Brit Milah (religious circumcision) ceremonies of male children on the eighth day (with the assistance of a mohel, of course). 

Bereavements

One of the most sacred of Jewish duties is to comfort and assist the bereaved. We can help with arrangements at all local Jewish cemeteries.

If a member of your family passes away, please call the synagogue as soon as possible so we can help guide you through the funeral and shiva minyan arrangements. There are after office hours instructions for our clergy, so you can all anytime.

Volunteers from the Community of Caring may be available to visit the home while the family is at the funeral and set up the Meal of Consolation and other items necessary for the Shiva. Our Community of Caring is there to also provide comfort and support. And, of course, our Clergy is there for you as always.

Jews by Choice/Conversion

Many individuals who seek a spiritual home find Judaism attractive. At Hamakom we welcome all seekers to explore what Judaism offers. We recognize that conversion to Judaism represents a challenging, powerful, and transformative undertaking and we are honored to offer our assistance during the journey.  We understand that conversion represents a choice that must be made by an individual of his or her own free will.