For more information on any of these, please contact Rabbi Avi Friedman.

 

Birth

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After the birth of a son, please be in touch with Rabbi Friedman for information about mohalim (ritual circumcisers) in the area. If you are looking for someplace to host your simchah, please consider the Congregation Ohr Shalom-SJCC social hall. For rental information, contact Lauren Levine.  

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Upon the birth of a daughter, there are several options. The parents can bring their new daughter to a Shabbat morning service, during which she will receive a blessing and her Hebrew name. This can also be done during a Shabbat Minchah service. A naming ceremony can also be done separately from our set service times at the synagogue—Sundays after JLC classes, for example. Alternatively, Rabbi Friedman and Cantor Roth are available to come to your home for a baby naming ceremony. While brit milah for a boy must take place on the eighth day, there is no assigned day for the naming of a daughter. 

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Bar/Bat Mitzvah

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Training for a bar or bat mitzvah begins as soon as our children enter our building for Tot Shabbat, ELC or JLC. These experiences all contribute to the development of synagogue skills and a sense of familiarity with our liturgy. Formal training begins with individual lessons approximately one year prior to the "big day." Our bar/bat mitzvah students are given every opportunity to lead parts of the service, read from the Torah, and chant the Haftarah on their special day. Family members and close friends are also encouraged to participate in the service. Following the service, the entire congregation celebrates the accomplishments of our newest adult member together at Kiddush.

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Click Here to access the Bar/Bat Mitzvah HANDBOOK

Click Here to access the Family CHECKLIST

Click here to access the Bar/Bat Mitzvah Guidelines

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Aufrufs and Weddings

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Aufrufs

Any Jewish couple with a connection to COS-SJCC may be called to the Torah in the weeks leading up to their wedding even if the wedding will not take place in the area. In the event of an out-of-town wedding, in particular, it gives the members of the congregation an opportunity to celebrate with the future bride and groom. Following the special blessing for the couple, the congregation showers the bride and groom with candy, wishing them a life of sweetness together.

 

Weddings

Our new sanctuary configuration is ideal for weddings and our clergy are thrilled to be part of your special day. Rabbi Friedman typically meets with a couple for one year leading up to the wedding ceremony. This gives the rabbi and the couple ample opportunity to prepare not only for the wedding day itself, but for the many days and years to follow. 

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Funerals & Unveilings

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Funerals

Rabbi Friedman and Cantor Roth are always available in the event of a death in the family of our members. In the event of a death, you may contact the synagogue directly (908-273-8130) or you can have the funeral home of your choice contact the Rabbi and Cantor. Once the synagogue is aware of such a loss, we will work to ensure that you have everything you need to sit shivah—including books, yarmulkes, shivah chairs, and a minyan of people.

 

Unveilings

Approximately one year after the funeral, it is customary to dedicate the monument over the grave. Some families choose to have either the Rabbi or the Cantor lead the dedication ceremony. Some prefer to lead the service themselves. A booklet is available from the office to assist you in the dedication service.