Our clergy are available to assist Ohef Sholom Temple members with all life cycle events, to support you and your family, to celebrate with you in times of joy and to guide you in moments of struggle, from the beginning of life to its inevitable culmination. Contact the Temple office for more information. 

Baby Naming

When a child is given a Hebrew name, both parents are on the bimah for this endearing ceremony, which is usually held at a Shabbat Service. Namings can be done as a home ceremony for families that prefer a more intimate setting. Learn More

Brit (Brit Milah)

Jewish Ritual Circumcision: A Jewish baby boy’s circumcision marks his entrance into the covenant (brit) with G-d. Circumcision is performed on the eighth day of a baby boy’s life. During the circumcision ceremony, a baby boy is given his name. The circumcision is performed by a mohel, a Jewish person who is educated in the relevant Jewish law and surgical procedures. While our clergy are not trained mohels, our synagogue is often used for this ceremony and celebration, but can be done at your home as well. Learn More.

B’nai Mitzvah

Becoming a bat or bar mitzvah at Ohef Sholom Temple includes the study of Hebrew, learning the teachings of Torah, leading and participating in Shabbat services and performing mitzvot. In order to be properly prepared for one’s bat/bar mitzvah, in addition to the child’s formal learning in Ohef Sholom Temple’s Religious School, there are individually scheduled meetings with the Cantor and the Rabbi. The bat/bar mitzvah date is set on our calendar up to three years in advance of the date of the ceremony.  Learn More.

Confirmation

Confirmation – Religious School students in 10th grade attend Confirmation classes led by our clergy. During the year students explore topics such as What is God, Judaism and its traditions, and antisemitism.  The Confirmation ceremony, where our 10th graders lead a Shabbat morning service, takes place on or near the holiday of Shavuot.  Learn More.

Wedding Ceremonies 

Temple clergy are available to officiate at the wedding and renewal of vows ceremonies of member families. Learn More.

Funerals

Temple clergy are available to conduct funeral services for members of the congregation and members of their immediate families. Both the Sanctuary and the Chapel are available to Ohef Sholom Temple members for family funerals. Temple clergy are also available to help guide the family through Shiva. Learn More.

Conversion

Individuals wishing to convert to Judaism must complete an Introduction to Judaism course. Then they will meet with the rabbi who will serve as your coach and mentor in this process. Your classroom experience is supplemented and supported by meetings with the rabbi , who will help you to integrate what you are learning in the Intro Program with your life and the life of your family. Once all the class requirements have been completed, and you have the approval of the rabbi, you can schedule the conversion ceremony.

The conversion ceremony is also a two-step process, which generally takes place back-to-back. First, the Beit Din, a panel of three rabbis, will conduct an interview. They will ask about your story and what has brought you to this moment, about what elements of Judaism are most important to you, and about how you practice Judaism in your daily life. The conversation is not a test — it is simply designed to confirm your commitment to living a Jewish life. The final step is immersion in the mikvah. A mikveh is a ritual pool, used to mark all sorts of life transition moments — ranging from marriage to childbirth to other times of celebration and change. For this ritual moment you will enter the mikvah and take three complete immersions under the water. After each immersion, you will recite a brief Hebrew blessing. Mikveh immersion is done while completely undressed, but it is a very private and modest ceremony. After completing both the Beit Din and the mikveh you will receive your legal paperwork signed by your Beit Din, which affirms that you are now a full member of the Jewish People. This can be done in an intimate setting with close family and friends, or during a Shabbat service with the congregation.