community
Life Cycle Events
Life Cycle Events at Congregation Beth Tikvah
“For everything there is a season and a time for every purpose under heaven.” (Ecclesiastes)
Congregation Beth Tikvah is honored to support you through all stages of life. Whether celebrating joyous milestones or navigating challenging times, our Rabbi and staff are here to guide and stand by your side.
Below, explore how Beth Tikvah enriches and supports Jewish life cycle events. For specific inquiries or planning assistance, please contact Rabbi Rick Kellner or Executive Director Debbie Vinocur.
Baby Namings
Welcoming a new child into your family is a time of unparalleled joy.
Beth Tikvah offers ceremonies to celebrate this precious simcha in ways that honor tradition and suit your family’s needs.
Brit Milah
Covenant of Circumcision for Boys
Welcoming a new child into your family is a time of unparalleled joy.
Beth Tikvah offers ceremonies to celebrate this precious simcha in ways that honor tradition and suit your family’s needs.
Simchat Bat
Welcoming Ceremony for Girls
For daughters, we offer a Simchat Bat ceremony, where your baby is given a Hebrew name in the presence of family and community. This ceremony can be held during a Shabbat service or in your home.
During Shabbat services, families are called to the bima to receive blessings in front of the open ark. Families often mark the occasion with bima flowers or a special oneg Shabbat.
Let us help you choose a meaningful Hebrew name and plan a ceremony that reflects your family’s story. Contact Rabbi Kellner for more details.
B’nai Mitzvah
Becoming a Bar or Bat Mitzvah is a profound milestone, marking a child’s transition into Jewish adulthood and strengthening a student’s connection to Jewish heritage.
Preparation and Requirements
Students begin their B’nai Mitzvah journey through Beth Tikvah’s Religious School, culminating in a year of focused study and preparation.
Families work closely with our Senior Rabbi and Education Director. The ceremony, held on a Saturday morning near the student’s 13th birthday, includes leading prayers, reading Torah, and sharing a D’var Torah.
It represents a covenant among the student, family, and congregation.
Adult B’nai Mitzvah
For adults seeking to deepen their Jewish knowledge, we also offer a year-long course that concludes in an Adult B’nai Mitzvah ceremony.
Contact the office to discuss the process with Rabbi Kellner.
Confirmation
Confirmation is a meaningful rite of passage for 10th-grade students, where they affirm their Jewish values and commitment to Torah. Students engage in deep discussions on theology, ethics, relationships, and social justice.
The highlight of the year is a trip to Washington, D.C., to participate in the Religious Action Center’s L’taken Seminar.
Conversion
Becoming a Jew by choice is a transformative and deeply personal journey. Beth Tikvah welcomes all who seek spiritual meaning and connection in Jewish life.
Steps in the Process
Conversion involves study, reflection, and regular meetings with our Rabbi. We recommend taking the online URJ Introduction to Judaism course which offers individualized learning to help guide you through the process.
When you’re ready, the conversion ceremony includes immersion in the mikvah, the adoption of a Hebrew name, and participation in the rituals that formally welcome you into the Jewish people.
Contact Rabbi Kellner to begin your journey.
Weddings
Celebrating Love and Partnership
Mazel tov on your engagement! Beth Tikvah is honored to help couples sanctify their union through a Jewish wedding ceremony.
Our Rabbi works closely with couples to plan a meaningful ceremony, offering pre-marital counseling to discuss shared goals and challenges. Wedding ceremonies can be held at Beth Tikvah under our beautiful chuppah or at an external venue of your choice.
Inclusivity
Beth Tikvah proudly celebrates the inclusion of same-gender couples, with our Rabbi officiating at their weddings or commitment ceremonies. We also warmly welcome and officiate interfaith weddings, honoring the diverse journeys that bring couples together in love and commitment. Weddings cannot be performed on Shabbat or major Jewish holidays.
Please contact our Rabbi early to begin planning your special day.
Pastoral Care
for the ill
When illness strikes, Beth Tikvah provides comfort and support.
Visitation and Support
Our Rabbi visits congregants in hospitals, care facilities, or at home, offering prayers and companionship. Medical privacy laws prevent hospitals from notifying us directly, so please inform the Rabbi if a loved one is ill.
Contact Rabbi Kellner or Executive Director Debbie Vinocur.
End-of-Life
Care
Beth Tikvah offers support for families facing the loss of a loved one.
Our Rabbi provides spiritual guidance, helps families navigate end-of-life decisions, and officiates at
funerals or memorial services. We also assist in planning shiva and unveiling ceremonies and offer support during the mourning process.
