While there’s an age-old Jewish ritual of having a bris (brit milah in Hebrew) for baby boys, which also doubles as a welcoming celebration, there’s no tradition like that found in the Torah for a daughter. Not a huge surprise, because the Torah isn't exactly known for its strong stance on women's rights. Fortunately, sometime during the 20th century, baby naming ceremonies for girls (also known by the Hebrew words Simchat Bat, which means celebration of a daughter, and Brit Bat, which means daughter's covenant) became a thing. No matter what you call it, don't miss the chance to have one! Boys can have naming ceremonies too, for instance, if the bris was done by a doctor before he left the hospital, or if the parents decided not to circumcise their son. Either way, namings are a fantastic and meaningful way to welcome a Jewish baby, and in today's world, we should celebrate joy whenever we can!

You get to decide when to have it... like maybe after you've gotten a little sleep...

Naming Booklet - Just Print Copies!

Don't Worry! We Did (Most Of) The Work For You!

We know what you’re thinking… You’re thinking, ” Dammit, JewBelong! Of course, I want to have a baby naming ceremony, but seriously, I’ve been up at least three times every single night and I barely have time to shower… How do you expect me to put together a baby naming ceremony?” Fortunately, we’ve got you covered with a short but sweet naming ceremony that’s ready to go. It has most of the readings that we used for our own children’s naming ceremonies. Of course, we have more readings to choose from, so by all means, browse through all 28 when you are up in the middle of the night if you want. We also have guidelines below for the rest of the ceremony (most important is that you need to write a few words to share when it’s time to announce your baby’s Hebrew name so don’t miss that). It will help you create a celebration you’ll remember forever, even if your baby won’t cause, well, she’s just a baby.  

Step 1) Have whatever kind of party you want. 2) Don't ask mom to do too much - she's already done enough.

A Naming Is Like A Better Baby Shower

What To Say To Your BFF Who Wants To Throw You A Baby Shower

According to tradition, Jewish parents aren’t supposed to have baby showers or decorate the nursery before the baby is born because of a superstition that getting clothes and toys for the baby before it’s born can bring bad luck. Not to mention that if the baby dies before coming home, the heartbreak of having to see all the baby’s things or go into a fully decorated baby’s room probably makes things worse. That being said, infants dying during childbirth is a lot less common than it used to be, so some Jewish people have showers. TBH, we prefer a baby naming over a shower any day. Not only do they tend to be more meaningful (seriously, we have been to some kooky showers) but everyone gets to meet the baby, which is like getting fifty birds killed with one stone because instead of having a constant stream of people visiting to see the baby, wham bam, you get it all done in one day.

A baby naming is easy. (The bris takes practice.)

Choosing A Hebrew Name

What's In A Name? Plenty!

You probably love your daughter’s English name, or you would have chosen something different. Choosing a Hebrew name is also a chance to choose a name you love. With one caveat… If you were wondering why you’ve never met a Rachel Schwartz Junior or Jessica Mandelbaum III, it’s because most Jews don’t name their baby after someone who is living. (Side note: This is only true for Ashkenazi Jews. Sephardic Jews do name their children after living relatives, but we digress…) The reasons not to name a baby after someone who is alive come from superstitions and ideas about being respectful to the living, but honestly, it’s also probably less confusing than have three Rachels in the same family. On the other hand, it’s considered an honor to name your baby after a loved one who is deceased so that the name lives on. The baby naming celebration is an opportunity to remember the person she’s named after with stories, a few words about why the name was chosen, and maybe photos if you have them. Plenty of families choose two names — one from each side of the family. Others choose the Hebrew version of the baby’s first or middle name, such as Sarah (princess in Hebrew) for Sadie, or Ora (light in Hebrew) for Olivia. There are plenty of beautiful biblical and Israeli names to choose from. We’ll remind you again in the ceremony notes, but announcing the name is kind of the main event at a naming, so be sure to write something beforehand to share with your guests.

Bar Refaeli is a Hebrew name. Enough said.

The Ceremony

There’s No Official Way To Have A Baby Naming So Do Whatever Makes You Happiest.

Baby namings typically take place in the morning and last for about an hour or so. You can have the ceremony anywhere… home, the community room of your apartment building, etc. All you really need is a quiet room big enough for your guests. If you belong to a synagogue, you can probably have the ceremony in a room there. Many synagogues also have baby namings during Friday night Shabbat services, which can be a beautiful time to welcome your baby into her Jewish community, although, the naming part will probably be more of a side note than the main event. Our advice? Use JewBelong’s free naming booklet for a beautiful and easy celebration. Just print enough copies for everyone so they can follow along and 2) Write the notes that you will use when it’s time to announce baby’s Hebrew name in advance then remember to bring them on the day! If you want to create your own ceremony (sigh), here’s an outline for a lovely ceremony:

  • Welcome: A few words of welcome to the loving group that has joined you, usually done by the parents. Unless you’re in the middle of Jerusalem, there are probably some newbies who would love to hear what a baby naming is all about, so this is a good time to explain. Your guests are probably excited to hear about the birth story, how the siblings are adapting to the baby, whatever!
  • Reading or two
  • Blessing Of Gratitude for the health of mother and child
  • Reading or two (trust us, the readings are usually the best part)
  • Kiddush (Blessing Over The Wine)
  • Candle Lighting
  • HaMotzi (Blessing Over The Bread)
  • Reading or two
  • Announcement of the Hebrew name: If you’re naming your baby after a loved one, this is one of the highlights of the ceremony. It’s a great time to remember the person she’s named after with stories, a few words about why the name was chosen, and photos if you have them. There’s also this traditional blessing.  Just don’t forget to bring your notes on game day!
  • Shehecheyanu
  • Reading or two
  • Conclusion It’s nice to end with thanks to everyone for helping to welcome your baby and for being part of her life. We especially love this blessing to thank family members of other faiths for their love and support.

Planning tips: Because these things don't plan themselves.

Stuff You Need

Everything Except Baby Is Optional...

Use this checklist to help get ready, but don’t stress about trying to have all of it!

  • Copies of your ceremony so everyone can follow along
  • Chairs
  • Music
  • Candles, candlesticks and matches for the Candle Blessing
  • Challah, challah cover (use a napkin if you don’t have one) and a knife to say HaMotzi
  • Kiddush cup (or any cup that you love), wine and/or grape juice
  • Kippot for anyone who wishes to wear one
  • Photographs of the person or people after whom you are naming your baby
  • Flowers or decorations
  • Elijah’s chair: Set aside a chair for the prophet Elijah (Yup, the same one we welcome on Passover. He’s also known to be a special protector of children). This chair can be decorated by simply draping a tallit over it, or it can be decorated with flowers, ribbons and ornamental pillows (a fun job for an older sibling)
  • A small blank journal on hand for guests to write notes and good wishes to the baby. Makes a wonderful keepsake!
  • Food (bagels and lox are a staple) for after the ceremony

OK, you've got the baby. So what else?

Baby Naming Prayers And Blessings

Traditional Baby Naming Blessing

-Author Unknown

This is one of those readings that is somewhat traditional but so beautiful and even dramatic. It is what so much of what Judaism is about… the connection to a long and important tradition. In a world where so much is fleeting, it is grounding to belong to this community.

First line: We believe that the miracle of her birth is of great importance to the community of the Jewish people, for Judaism’s future rests on the firm foundation of both its men and women. Last line: May her parents rear their daughter with love. Amen…

Kiddush (Blessing Over The Wine)

-Author Unknown

The blessing recited over wine or grape juice. Some families just do the first line (up to “Amen”) and others do the full blessing. As always, do whatever feels right to you!

First line: Baruch atah Adonai, Eloheinu melech ha-olam, borei p’ree hagafen. Amen. Last line: Blessed are You, God, Spirit of the Universe, who creates the fruit of the vine. Amen…

HaMotzi (Blessing Over The Bread)

-Author Unknown

This blessing is traditionally made over a challah, a sweet braided bread. If you don’t have a challah, use different bread, or even a cracker or pizza crust. Making the blessing is more important than the actual bread.

First line: Baruch atah Adonai, Eloheinu melech ha-olam, hamotzi lechem min ha-aretz. Amen. Last line: Blessed are You, God, Spirit of the Universe, who brings forth bread from the earth. Amen…

The Shehecheyanu - Generic Prayer Of Gratitude

-Author Unknown

The Shehecheyanu is a great generic catch all prayer that’s basically saying, “Wow! We are really happy we got to this moment!” Like for example, after we have been working our asses off for months, when the new release of the JewBelong website goes live and doesn’t crash with all the high-fiving, we will say the Shehecheyanu.

First line: Baruch atah Adonai, Eloheinu melech ha-olam, shehecheyanu v’key’manu v’higiyanu lazman hazeh. Amen. Last line: Praised are You, Spirit of the Universe, who keeps us alive, sustains us, and brings us to this moment. Amen…

See All 5 Baby Naming Prayers And Blessings

You'll like these. (We work hard on this stuff!)

Baby Naming Readings

A Blessing For Our Newborn

-Author Unknown

The only thing we find slightly annoying about this ancient Jewish prayer is that it ends with the marriage canopy. Not that there is anything wrong with marriage, but it’s not for everyone and it seems like an odd culmination for the tiny baby. But when you think that procreation is a mitzvah, it’s more understandable.

First line: May the one who blessed our mothers, Sarah, Rebecca, Leah, and Rachel, and our fathers, Abraham, Issac and Jacob, bless these parents and their newborn daughter. Her name shall be (insert English or Hebrew name here). Last line: Let us say Amen…

Blessing For Anyone Who Isn't Jewish ('Cause We Know This Is A Lot)

-Inspired by Rabbi Janet Marder

So here is the thing, half of the Jewish families that we know are headed by a couple where one of them is not Jewish. And we think eureka! That is great! Why isn’t there a blessing for that person who is not Jewish but participating in a Jewish home/life! And… there is! And we love it and hope you do too!

First line: May everyone who shares in a Jewish life feel welcome and integrated. Last line: With all our hearts, we want to thank you for your love and willingness in giving the ultimate gift to the Jewish people. Amen…

I Wish You The Strength To Face Challenges

-Patsy Gaut

We used this reading at our own simchas (Hebrew for celebrations) and we know you’ll love it, too. It’s short, and beautiful.

First line: Dearest one, I wish you the strength to face challenges with confidence along with the wisdom to choose your battles carefully. Last line: I am so proud of you!…

Standing On The Shoulders

-Doug Cotler

In this insane world that changes so quickly, it is grounding to remember where, and more importantly, who we came from. This notion of remembering Judaism’s foundations and meaningful traditions are the driving forces behind JewBelong.

First line: In the garden there’s a tree planted by someone who only imagined me. Last line: I’m standing on the shoulders of the ones who came before me…

See All 28 Baby Naming Readings

Choose a reading or two. Or take our advice and print out copies of JewBelong's Baby Naming booklet.

Baby Naming Adoption Readings

Prayer For An Adopted Child

-Rabbi Sandy Eisenberg Sasso

Oh, this is soo beautiful! Hard to explain beauty…suffice it to say that anyone adopting a baby should take a look!

First line: We have been blessed with the precious gift of this child. Last line: Bless all of us together beneath your shelter of shalom (peace), and grant our new family, always, the harmony and love we feel today…

You First Came To Us In An Envelope

-Author Unknown

Best Sex and the City memory… when Charlotte and Harry got the picture of Lily, who they adopted. This reading is like that!

First line: You first came to us in an envelope with letters, forms and such. Last line: Our child of chance, of plan, of will you’re now our very own…

The Chosen Heart

-Teri Harrison

This is one of the sweetest readings about adoption we could find.

First line: Longing for a child to love, I’d wish upon the stars above. Last line: In my heart I always knew, a part of me belonged to you…

The Adoption Of A Broken Girl

-Julie Anderson

Love this reading. Don’t love the title.

First line: Once there were two women who never knew each other. Last line: Both, my darling, both. Just two different types of love…

See All 5 Baby Naming Adoption Readings

Nice Jewish boys and girls are made, not born.

Baby Naming Songs

L'chi Lach

-Debbie Friedman

This song is the perfect tearjerker to share at any happy Jewish occasion. L’chi Lach essentially means “go into yourself” in Hebrew. The lyrics tell those that are being celebrated to go begin the life journey they are meant to have, and to be a blessing in the world, which is essentially the journey all Jewish people are meant to have.

First line: L’chi lach, to a land that I will show you. Last line: L’chi lach…

What A Wonderful World

-Robert Thiele and George David Weiss

This popular song is always a crowd hit (especially for those of us born after 1960). It’s been re-recorded many times since then. A beautiful addition for your celebration.

First line: I see trees of green, red roses too. Last line: What a wonderful world…

See Both Baby Naming Songs

If you have friends with a guitar or other instruments, be sure to hit them up!

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