Lifecycle Events

Life is change, and change is an opportunity for ritual.  Rituals are a way of making connections when we have transitions in our lives: connections to others in our communities, to past and future generations, and to a sense of expansion in the universe (AKA the Divine).

Some transitions are celebrated with blessings that are thousands of years old, like those for a baby naming/bris, bar/bat mitzvah, wedding or a funeral. Other blessings may draw on established liturgy but are essentially new forms, marking important milestones in our lives today.  I facilitate all kinds of ceremonies—the ones mentioned above, but also rituals for adoption, first menstruation, conversion, divorce, friendship, healing, retirement, loss of a pet, or dedication of a new home. 

My Jewish ritual practice draws together both ancient traditions and the personal experience of the participants.  It is rooted in the spirit, but visceral, participatory and down-to-earth.

One of my favorite sites with lots of good ideas for Jewish lifecycle practice is Ritual Well. These folks are inclusive, progressive, creative, and all that good stuff. The site offers information on customs from the traditional to the innovative. They also have melodies available, ecards, a bibliography, and discussion forums--it’s a great resource.