When a Jewish girl is born...
Dear Parents (to be)...
The first joyful task to be performed is that of giving your daughter a Jewish (Hebrew, Yiddish or Ladino) name. It is said that in ancient times one of the reasons the Jews were redeemed from Egypt was because they did not give up their Hebrew names. Ashkenazic Jews (usually of Eastern or Central European descent) traditionally name their daughters after someone who has passed on, thereby honoring the memory of the departed; Sephardic Jews (usually of Western European or Middle Eastern descent) traditionally name their daughters after living grandparents.
How does one name a girl in the Jewish tradition? When a baby girl is born and she is brought back to the parents in the bassinet in the pink blanket, the parents may simply say: Child, your Jewish name is Chana Rivka (or whatever name they have chosen for their daughter. This is just an example.) That is all that is required. You have given your daughter her Jewish name.
The most common tradition is to name a baby girl on the next available day when the Torah is read. We read the Torah on Monday and Thursday mornings, Shabbat mornings and afternoons, festivals and holy days. The father (or grandfather) is called to the Torah, special prayers and blessings are recited on behalf of the mother and newborn baby, and the name that the parents have chosen is formally announced to the community. (Remember, she was already officially named in the hospital following her birth.)
Many new traditions have evolved
in recent years providing
other ways to celebrate the birth
of a daughter. Parents may wish
to have a special gathering
at a later date to afford the
new mother and baby the
opportunity to share in the
celebration. On Shabbat, a
Kiddush or luncheon may be
held in the synagogue following
services. In addition to the meal,
the new parents may offer a
few words describing their
feelings about the birth of
their daughter, perhaps including
an explanation of the baby's
Jewish name(s). No event
such as this is complete without
a D'var Torah, a brief
exposition relating to
the portion of the week or
other relevant Jewish themes.
The Zeved Ha-Bat (Gift of a Daughter)
ceremony consists of a few
verses from the "Song of Songs",
the naming prayer and "Psalm 128".
Alternatively, one
might celebrate the birth of a girl
with a Simchat Bat
(Joy of a Daughter) ceremony.
A service is created involving
the family and other important
participants using blessings,
prayers, poetry and song
to honor the baby girl. A
Simchat Bat
or Zeved
Ha-Bat
may
take place at
any time before your
daughter's first
birthday.
 SAMPLE PROGRAM |
|
SIMCHAT BAT Baby Girl's English Name Baby Girl's Hebrew Name English Birthdate Hebrew Birthdate  | |
| Introduction | Cantor Philip L. Sherman |
| Psalm 128 | Grandparents |
| Shehechiyanu Blessing | Father |
| Birkat Hagomel | Mother |
| The Naming | Cantor Sherman |
| Explanation of the Name | Father and Mother |
| Blessing over the Wine - Hagafen | Great Grandparent |
| Blessing over the Bread - Hamotzi | Great-Uncle |
Congratulations and Mazel Tov! The Simchat Bat for [name] took place on [English Birthdate] corresponding to the [Hebrew Birthdate] | |
(Please feel free to make use of this template)
