Lifecycle

Judaism meets us at every turning point—birth, B’nai Mitzvah, marriage, anniversaries, death, and everything in between. At Temple B’nai Sholom we stand shoulder-to-shoulder through each of these moments, weaving prayer, tradition, and personal story into one supportive embrace.

We honor every person’s unique identity. For each milestone—birth, B’nai Mitzvah, wedding, anniversary, funeral, or any sacred moment—we will work with you to shape language, symbols, and blessings that feel true to who you are, whether you prefer traditional, contemporary, gender-neutral, or nonbinary expressions.

B'rit Milah

B’rit Milah – Welcoming Your Son into the Covenant

Mazel tov on your growing family! The arrival of a new baby is pure wonder, and Judaism marks that joy with b’rit milah—a brief covenant ceremony that includes both circumcision and the giving of a Hebrew name.

Tradition sets the ceremony for the eighth day of life (counting the birth day as Day 1), echoing the covenant first described with Abraham in Genesis 17:12. If a medical concern arises, we simply postpone—your child’s health always comes first.

A mohel—a physician or nurse specially trained in both medical procedure and Jewish ritual—performs the circumcision, and the rabbi shares blessings and guides the naming. Most ceremonies take place at home, followed by a light, celebratory meal. We can just as easily gather at the synagogue or another comfortable space if you prefer.

At Temple B’nai Sholom, we’ll walk beside you in planning with warmth, clarity, and care. Contact Rabbi Schwartz at rabbischwartz.tbs@gmail.com

A note on inclusion: Every child—and every family—deserves a welcome that fits who they are. Whether you’re planning a b’rit milah, a baby-naming, or a ceremony that affirms a gender-neutral or nonbinary identity, Rabbi Schwartz will help craft a ritual that feels authentic, respectful, and joyful for you and your loved ones. Together we can adapt language, blessings, and symbols so your celebration fully reflects your family’s story and values.

B’rit Bat - Welcoming Your Daughter into the Covenant

A newborn daughter is welcomed into Jewish life with a joyful naming ceremony. During the service we share blessings and readings that celebrate her arrival and reveal her Hebrew name. Most families choose to hold this moment within a regular synagogue gathering—often on a Friday night or Saturday morning—so the whole community can add its warm embrace.

Ready to choose a Hebrew name and plan a heartfelt ceremony? Rabbi PJ Schwartz would be honored to guide you. Reach out by email or call, and we’ll shape a naming ritual that feels just right for your family.

Most families schedule the blessing when their baby is about a month old, but we can hold it whenever you’re comfortable. Temple B’nai Sholom warmly welcomes both members and non-members for this moment of joy.

Naming customs differ across Jewish cultures:

Ashkenazic families (with roots in Central and Eastern Europe) often honor a loved one who has passed away.
Sephardic families (from the Mediterranean, North Africa, and the Middle East) frequently name after relatives still living.

If you’re unsure which path to take—or if you simply want help finding a Hebrew name that resonates—Rabbi Schwartz is here to listen, suggest options, and support you every step of the way.

B'nai Mitzvah

Reaching age 13 is a milestone our whole community celebrates. Because most of our kids begin their Jewish education in our Kulanu Learning program in pre-K, their path to B’nai Mitzvah feels like a natural next step rather than a sudden leap. About two years before the big day, Rabbi Schwartz will meet with your family to choose a service date and map out the months of study, service, and project work ahead. That conversation marks the official start of your shared journey toward B’nai Mitzvah.

Ready for the nuts and bolts?

Download our comprehensive B’nai Mitzvah Guide (PDF) for timelines, details, honors, and more.
Planning to host your celebration here? Our facility-rental page explains space options, fees, and support services.

From setting the date to chanting Torah—and celebrating afterward in our social hall—Temple B’nai Sholom walks beside you every step of the way.

Weddings

Whether you’re just thinking about getting engaged, already planning the ceremony and looking for a rabbi, or hoping to celebrate a milestone anniversary with a blessing on the bimah, Temple B’nai Sholom is ready to walk that path with you.

First things first—mazel tov! We’re delighted you’re considering Temple B’nai Sholom to mark this next chapter of your lives. Below you’ll find an overview of how our community supports, guides, and celebrates couples—whether you are Jewish, interfaith, LGBTQ+, or exploring Judaism for the first time.

Rabbi Schwartz is honored to officiate the weddings of synagogue members and of their adult children who are active in another congregation, Hillel, or similar Jewish community.

If you’re not yet a member of our community, let’s talk about how Temple B’nai Sholom can become your spiritual home. Membership details are just a phone call or email away, and we’ll walk you through every step.

Rabbi Schwartz happily officiates Jewish weddings and, under certain guidelines, interfaith weddings that honor both partners’ backgrounds. (Click here for more information about interfaith weddings). We’ll discuss your story, your hopes for the ceremony, and any specific criteria in our first meeting.

Pre-Wedding Blessing (Aufruf)

Tradition invites a couple to receive a special blessing during a Shabbat service shortly before the wedding. We call this an aufruf—literally “calling up.” After the blessing, the congregation showers the couple with sweets, wishing them a life filled with joy. Whether or not your wedding is here, you are warmly invited to celebrate with an aufruf in our sanctuary.

Shaping your ceremony

A Jewish wedding weaves ancient symbols with your personal story.

Common elements include:

Chuppah – the wedding canopy, symbolizing the home you’ll build.
Ketubah – a beautifully worded covenant of love and responsibility.
Birkat Erusin & Sheva Brachot – betrothal and seven wedding blessings.
Ring exchange – sealing your commitment.
Breaking the glass – a reminder of life’s fragile beauty and our duty to heal the world.

You may choose to incorporate all, some, or additional customs. Rabbi Schwartz will help you adapt language, music, and ritual cues so every guest—Jewish or not—feels included and every moment reflects your values.

Picking a date

Jewish weddings traditionally avoid Shabbat (sundown Friday to sundown Saturday) and major Jewish holidays. Spring and summer have additional customary blackout dates. If you’re eyeing a specific day, check with the Rabbi first to be sure it aligns with tradition and your family’s needs.

Ready to begin?

Reach out to Rabbi PJ Schwartz at rabbischwartz.tbs@gmail.com

We’ll schedule an introductory conversation, discuss membership (if applicable), and start crafting a ceremony that feels deeply yours. From the first meeting to the last broken glass, Temple B’nai Sholom will stand beside you—guiding, blessing, and celebrating every step of the way.

Funerals

When a loved one dies, we honor the mitzvah of kvod hamet (“showing respect for the deceased”) and nichum avelim (“comforting the mourners”). Guided by centuries-old Jewish practice and the warmth of Reform tradition, we keep our ceremonies simple, dignified, and focused on hope.

Timing and Setting

Whenever possible, burial takes place soon after death, most often at Maple Hill Cemetery or another family plot. Services may be held in our sanctuary, at the graveside, or in a funeral chapel—whichever best supports the family.

Service Elements

The funeral includes psalms, readings, eulogies, El Malei Rachamim, and Kaddish. Music and personal reflections can be woven in at the family’s request. Rabbi Schwartz every step, offering gentle structure and space for individual stories.

After the Burial

We help the family begin shiva—the first week of mourning—by organizing a home or synagogue gathering for prayer, memory-sharing, and a simple meal.

Lifecycle

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Lifecycle

B’rit Milah – Welcoming Your Son into the Covenant