In the last part of our series concerning Jewish customs and traditions, we take a look at the Simchat Bat, the naming ceremony for Jewish girls, and the Brit Milah, the naming ceremony for Jewish boys.
The Brit Milah. The naming ceremony for a boy is especially important in Jewish tradition. It is the third mark of the covenant between God and man. The first is the Sabbath, the second the Rainbow after the flood, and the third is the Covenant of Circumcision, the physical evidence of man’s acceptance of God’s Covenant.
The circumcision ceremony occurs on the eighth day following the birth of the child, even if that day falls on the Sabbath. The ritual is performed by a Mohel, a person trained in the physical surgical aspect of the circumcision but also trained in the religious aspects. If a Mohel is not available, the ritual may be conducted by a Jewish surgeon. A rabbi is usually there to preside over the ceremony.
During the ceremony, the Mohel calls for the “Kvatter.” The godmother, or “Kvatterin,” takes the child from the mother’s arms. She then takes the child to the Kvatter, or godfather. The Kvatter than places the child on the lap of the “Sandak,” the person who will hold the child while the ceremony is performed. The Sandak has a small chair called the “Chair of Elijah,” where the baby will be placed. It is understood that during the circumcision, Elijah is the protector of the child.
There is a series of prayers during the circumcision ceremony, and after the deed is done, a little of the blessed wine is put on the mouth of the baby. Following this, the child is given his name, and the feast of celebration begins.
The Simchat Bat. Unlike the involved ritual for naming a boy, the girl doesn’t have much of a formal guideline. The daughter is named on the Sabbath following her birth, or during any reading of the Torah, which could be a Monday, Thursday, or holiday. The father approaches the Torah and the child is given her name.
Some parents will opt to have a more formal ceremony, citing prayers and having a feast. The baby girl is feted as the guest of honor at these times, and her naming ceremony takes place at that time.