Lifecycle Events

Congregation Beth Shalom views itself as a synagogue family. We strive to foster an atmosphere that will make you feel at home. We take great pride in the joy that can be infused into a special occasion when it is shared as a community event. Similarly, we strive to be there for each other during times of need.

Baby Naming - A baby girl is named during the special ceremony which is included in the Torah service on Shabbat morning. Parents, grandparents and siblings are invited to participate in the ceremony. It is customary to sponsor a Kiddush in honor of this special occasion. The Rabbi is available to discuss all parameters of your special occasion.

Brit Milah (Circumcision) - A baby boy is given his name as part of a Brit Milah ceremony. In accordance with Jewish Law, the Brit Milah is performed on the eighth day of life. The ceremony is conducted by a ritually trained and medically certified expert known as a Mohel. Please contact the Rabbi for a referral to a Mohel.

Supplemental Naming Ceremonies - The Rabbi will be happy to officiate at a supplemental naming ceremony in your home.

Bar/Bat Mitzvah - The Bar/Bat Mitzvah is a most joyous significant religious event. The Bar/Bat Mitzvah student publicly gives thanks for the privileges and responsibilities of Jewish adulthood. The preparation for Bar/Bat Mitzvah requires a long-term educational commitment. Students are required to complete Hebrew School or have attended a Hebrew Day School. One-on-one Bar/Bat Mitzvah lessons are also required.

Adult Bnai Mitzvah - The celebration of the adult Bnai Mitzvah is a relatively new celebration that has become a meaningful component in Jewish ritual life. People from all walks of life are finding renewed meaning and spirituality in Judaism. Many of our returning brothers and sisters have chosen to celebrate their rededication to Judaism with an adult Bar/Bat Mitzvah ceremony.

Weddings - After you have selected the ring, one of the first decisions is the selection of the date. The Rabbi should be consulted to determine his availability and dates which are consistent with Jewish Law. The synagogue is available for wedding ceremonies. What more appropriate place could there be for this special religious event. Please see the download section of this website for a downloadable wedding guide.

Renewal of Vows - It has been said that "there is no love like first love." While the intensity of emotion at the dawning of a relationship may be significant, true love is evident when two people who have shared their life together, reaffirm their commitment to each other.

Conversion - "When a person comes to convert, one receives them with an open hand so as to bring them under the wings of the Divine Presence." (Leviticus Rabbah 2:9) Your interest may stem from reading Jewish books, taking courses at college, from contact with Jewish friends, your love relationship with a Jew. Study will facilitate an informed choice. For information regarding conversion please contact the Rabbi.

Other Lifecycle Events - Birthdays, anniversaries and other special occasions are often celebrated in the synagogue. A Torah honor, Kiddush celebration, or other event can be scheduled by contacting the synagogue office. Prayers for the ill and memorial observances are a part of our regular synagogue services. Hospital visitation and pastoral counseling are ongoing functions of the Rabbi.

Funerals - Congregation Beth Shalom considers it a sacred trust and obligation to assist a bereaved family during their time of need. The Rabbi is available to help and advise you with funeral arrangements. The meal of consolation will be provided by the Sisterhood upon request. If desired the Ritual Committee will provide prayer books and conduct daily services during the observance of Shivah. Please contact the Rabbi immediately upon the loss of a loved one.

Congregation Beth Shalom Sisterhood - The Sisterhood has many events happening all year long.  Some of the things that keep the Sisterhood active are coat drives, food drives, book clubs, dinners, speakers and so much more.  The Sisterhood also raised money for the Torah Fund. They sponsor many Oneg Shabbats with sweet delectables.
Rabbi Bockman's wife, Vicki Hyman, a reporter for the Star Ledger, spoke at a meeting of her history of reporting news.  Click here for a sample of her discourse.