Life Cycle Events

In all aspects of life, Jewish heritage offers practices and perspectives that sanctify and enrich our lives and draw us closer to friends, family and our community.

From birth until end of life, the Beth Abraham community is here for you during all of life’s most poignant and pivotal moments.

Brit Milah (Bris) and Baby Naming

Mazal Tov! Congratulations!

The birth of a baby is one of the most joyous moments in life.  Welcoming a new baby into the Jewish community is one of the most beautiful and sacred occasions at Beth Abraham.

It is a benefit of membership to utilize our clergy, beautiful sanctuary or chapel, and our social hall and staff to host, officiate, and help you coordinate a brit milah for your new son or baby naming for your new daughter.

Please contact the office for a list of certified mohelim (the trained medical and religious professional who performs the circumcision) at a brit milah or for meaningful options for welcoming your new daughter into the Jewish community.

Bar/Bat Mitzvah

Our goal at Beth Abraham is to create a Bar/Bat Mitzvah program that is a spiritual and religious experience, connecting child and family to God, the Jewish people, and to each other.

Our Bar/Bat Mitzvah program is nurturing, caring, and highly personalized. We encourage each child to participate to the full extent of his or her ability. Rabbi Crespy and Cantor Raizen work with every family to make sure that each bar/bat mitzvah is a positive experience.

Weddings/Aufrufs & Celebrating with Your Congregational Family

Mazel Tov! The uniting of two families in a wedding helps fulfill Isaiah’s vision: “May there soon be heard in Jerusalem the sound of gladness and rejoicing; the sound of bridegroom and bride.”

It is a benefit of membership to engage our clergy, beautiful sanctuary, and social hall in your wedding plans. We are eager to help you make it the day of your dreams.

The information here answers questions couples commonly have as they begin planning. Whether both marriage partners are Jewish or Interfaith, our clergy is always happy to meet with all couples contemplating marriage and will discuss opportunities for involvement in the synagogue. 

Who may be married by our clergy or at Beth Abraham Synagogue?

To be married by our Rabbi or at Beth Abraham, both partners must be Jewish. At Beth Abraham same-sex marriages are celebrated and our clergy is honored to officiate.

If either partner has previously been married to a Jew, and the marriage ended in divorce, the partner must present proof that the marriage was ended with a get, a Jewish divorce, as well as with a civil divorce. If you have not yet given or received a get for a previous marriage, we can help you with that process.

When may the wedding take place?

In general, a wedding may take place on most days or evenings.  However, several restrictions do exist. A wedding may not take place on Shabbat (from an hour before sundown on Friday until an hour after sundown on Saturday) or on a major Jewish holiday (same restriction). Weddings may not take place during the 9 days before Tisha b’Av, the Ninth of Av, which usually falls in late July or early August. There are restrictions on when a wedding may take place during the seven weeks known as Sefirah, between Passover and Shavuot. If you have any question about whether a wedding is permissible on the date you have in mind, please consult with the Rabbi.

Aufruf

The union of a couple is always a celebratory event and our entire congregation wants to join you in celebrating this family simcha. There are various ways for engaged Jewish couples and their families to celebrate this exciting family milestone. Engaged couples are invited to have an “aufruf” – to be called to the Torah for an aliyah and a special blessing on Shabbat morning. Many couples invite their family and friends to join them for this occasion and sponsor a celebratory Kiddush reception in the couple’s honor.

Funerals and Bereavement

Beth Abraham mourns the loss of our loved ones. Your community is here in your time of need.

Rabbi Crespy and Cantor Raizen will assist with hospital/home visits with your loved one, as well as meeting with the family to talk about the deceased and begin the healing process. They will preside over the funeral and burial itself, and then help you through shiva. The Beth Abraham family ensures you are supported and are not alone during this time of need.

Conversion – Becoming a Jew by Choice

The Jewish tradition teaches, “more beloved by God than all the children of Israel who stood at Mt. Sinai are those who choose Judaism, who come to the Torah of their own accord.” (Midrash Tanchuma)

The decision to convert is a significant and life-changing event. This meaningful process consists of exploration and study with our clergy and community, and culminates in a beautiful ceremony, which includes immersion in a mikvah (a ritual bath) that officially welcomes and recognizes the person as a member of the Jewish community. 

To inquire or begin the process, please contact Rabbi Crespy.

Introduction to Judaism Program

Beth Abraham is a partner member of our community wide Introduction to Judaism.

Organized and taught by the rabbis of The Synagogue Forum of Greater Dayton, the course offers an in-depth look at Judaism from Conservative, Orthodox/Traditional, and Reform perspectives along with guest speakers who offer their insights and broaden exposure to the Jewish community.

Introduction to Judaism is held once a year between Fall and Spring. Classes are held one night a week for roughly 17 weeks. Class location rotates throughout the course, in order to reflect Dayton’s diverse Jewish community.

For further information, please contact the Jewish Federation of Greater Dayton.