Life Cycle Events
In Jewish tradition, rituals and blessings are used to commemorate and mark the major moments in our lives: our birth, becoming a Bar/Bat Mitzvah, our wedding, and our death. Congregation B’nai Jeshurun wants to be a part of these major moments. Below is useful information to arrange and carry out any life cycle event, as well as links to help you learn more about each life cycle event.
B’rit Milah (the covenant of circumcision)
The B’rit Milah, which is usually performed on the eighth day after the birth of a newborn male, is always a joyous event at B’nai Jeshurun. During the ceremony, the child enters into a covenant between God and the Jewish people and receives his Hebrew name.
Congregants who wish to schedule a B’rit Milah should call Pennie Cordobes at 973-379-1555, x6627. Or you can email Pennie at pcordobes@tjb.org.
Additional Resources: http://urj.org/ask/questions/brit/
Bar/Bat Mitzvah
The process of becoming a Bar/Bat Mitzvah is a sacred journey—one that prepares a child to embrace his/her responsibility for both the commandments of our tradition and the Jewish community. Throughout this journey, our clergy and Religious School guide and support each student to insure that he/she will ascend the bimah proudly and confidently.
Formal Bar/Bat Mitzvah preparations begin approximately six months prior to a child’s Bar/Bat Mitzvah date. Under the supervision of Cantor Stahl, our B’nai Mitzvah faculty provides individual tutoring once a week, between 4:00 – 5:30 PM on either Monday or Tuesday. Bar/Bat Mitzvah candidates are also required to attend our Religious School’s Seventh Grade class and a D’var Torah workshop. In addition, all B’nai Mitzvah candidates must complete a mitzvah project by participating in a community service project to fulfill the obligation of g’milut chasadim (acts of loving kindness).
For more information, contact Allyne Zorn, Cantor’s Stahl’s assistant, at 973-379-1555, x6624 or azorn@tbj.org.
Download the PDF of the Bar/Bat Mitzvah Handbook.
Confirmation
In the Reform Jewish tradition, Confirmation marks the moment when 16-year-old students reaffirm their commitment to Judaism and the Jewish people. On the festival of Shavuot, which commemorates the giving of the Torah, confirmands take their place on the bimah to lead the service.
Students in B’nai Jeshurun’s Religious School register for Confirmation classes in the Tenth Grade. These classes are held on Sunday mornings from 9:45 – 11:15 AM and include bagels.
Marriage
Marriage is one of the most sacred moments in Jewish life. In Hebrew it is called kiddushin (sanctification). B’nai Jeshurun’s clergy and staff are happy to assist congregants as they prepare for marriage and plan their wedding. To begin the process, please contact Pennie Cordobes at 973-379-1555, x6627, or email her at pcordobes@tjb.org.
Additional Resources: http://urj.org/life/family/marriage/
Death & Bereavement
The loss of a loved one tears apart the fabric of our lives. Congregation B’nai Jeshurun will do all we can to honor your beloved and console you in your time of mourning.
Funerals
Congregants should contact us immediately when a member of their family passes away to schedule the funeral service. Please call 973-379-1555. If the office is closed, call our emergency number: 973-452-6467.
Shiva Minyan Services
Our Caring Committee and Cantor Stahl will help you arrange for Shiva Minyan Services during the first week of mourning. Please contact Allyne Zorn, Cantor’s Stahl’s assistant, at 973-379-1555, x6624 or azorn@tbj.org.
The B’nai Jeshurun Cemetery
It is always easier and kinder to our loved ones if we plan for the inevitable far in advance. To learn about purchasing plots in the B’nai Jeshurun Cemetery, please click here. Call 973-379-1555 or email alutwak@tbj.org.
Additional Resources: http://urj.org/life/family/bereavement/