Bris & Baby Naming

The arrival of a child is one of life’s most extraordinary moments — a time when the whole family gathers in wonder, gratitude, and hope. As a rabbi, I consider it a deep privilege to welcome each new soul into the covenant of Abraham and into the living chain of the Jewish people. Whether we are celebrating a brit milah (circumcision covenant for a boy) or a simchat bat (joyful celebration for a girl), the ceremony I create with each family is designed to be warm, deeply meaningful, and genuinely inclusive of everyone in the room.

I begin every ceremony by sitting with the family — the parents, grandparents, and anyone who will play a role in the child’s life. I want to understand their story: their family traditions, the origins of the name they have chosen, and the hopes they carry for this child. In Sephardic tradition, we often name children after living relatives, a beautiful custom that honors the elders of the family while they are still here to witness the blessing. I love exploring these naming traditions with families, drawing out the layers of meaning embedded in the Hebrew name and connecting the child to ancestors both present and remembered.

During the ceremony itself, I guide the family through each ritual moment — the blessings, the naming, the symbolic acts — while explaining their significance so that every guest, regardless of background, can participate fully. I invite grandparents, siblings, and close friends to hold the child, recite blessings, or offer words of welcome. Jewish life is communal at its core, and a naming ceremony is most powerful when the whole community takes part.

For a brit milah, I work closely with the mohel (ritual circumciser) to ensure the ceremony flows seamlessly and the family feels supported throughout. For a simchat bat or baby naming, I weave together traditional blessings, readings from Torah and Psalms, and personal reflections that honor the family’s unique heritage. I often incorporate Moroccan liturgical melodies and Sephardic prayers that have been passed down through generations — sounds that connect this newest member of the Jewish people to nearly four millennia of sacred tradition.

Ceremonies typically last between twenty and forty-five minutes and can be held at your home, synagogue, or any meaningful venue. I am available throughout the San Francisco Bay Area and happy to travel.

What to Expect

• An initial consultation where we discuss your family’s background, naming traditions, and wishes for the ceremony
• A personalized ceremony script that reflects your family’s Sephardic, Ashkenazic, or blended heritage
• Active participation for grandparents, siblings, aunts, uncles, and close friends — everyone has a role
• Coordination with the mohel (for brit milah) to ensure a smooth, reverent experience
• Clear explanations during the ceremony so all guests — Jewish and non-Jewish alike — can follow along
• A keepsake ceremony text for your family to treasure

Frequently Asked Questions

When should the ceremony take place? Traditionally, a brit milah is held on the eighth day after birth. A simchat bat or baby naming has more flexibility — families often hold it within the first few weeks, though it can be scheduled whenever the family is ready. I am happy to discuss timing that works for your situation.

Can we incorporate both Sephardic and Ashkenazic traditions? Absolutely. Many of the families I work with come from blended backgrounds, and I love weaving together customs from both traditions. Whether it is Sephardic naming after living grandparents or Ashkenazic memorial naming, we will honor every thread of your family’s heritage.

What if we are not affiliated with a synagogue? You do not need to belong to a congregation for me to officiate. I welcome all Jewish families — affiliated or unaffiliated, observant or secular — and I will meet you wherever you are on your Jewish journey.