Traditionally, a baby boy is welcomed into the covenant of the Jewish people on the eighth day of his life through a brit milah or bris (circumcision) ceremony. The circumcision is performed by a mohel or mohelet (male or female physicians specially certified in ritual circumcision) often joined by WHC's clergy in officiating this sacred moment. If you are expecting or have just had a baby boy, we are happy to help connect you with several well-regarded mohelim in the Washington area.

Though there is no prescribed time for a baby naming, it is generally held within the baby's first year, anytime after the eighth day of life. We welcome a daughter into the Jewish covenant with a special ritual that blesses her and gives her a Hebrew name. For parents who choose to have their son circumcised in the hospital, a baby naming is also a meaningful way to begin his Jewish life. Our rabbis will bless and name your child either at Temple during our Friday night or Saturday morning Shabbat services or in a private ceremony held any other day of the week.

The B'nei Mitzvah service is so spiritually fulfilling. It symbolizes your teenager's transformation from child to adult in the eyes of our faith. When B'nei Mitzvah recite the blessings over the Torah, they are affirming that they are old enough to be responsible for all that is being passed to them - our traditions, rituals, teachings, and culture - and that they will uphold and, in turn, pass all of them to the next generation. This moment is celebrated at Washington Hebrew when a young person reads from the Torah for the first time publicly during Shabbat services on a Saturday morning or evening. The B'nei Mitzvah also lead some of the prayers, read from the Haftarah (the books of the Prophets), and share their thoughts regarding the Torah portion and its connection to our lives through a d'var Torah (words of Torah). This is truly a Shehechiyanu moment! Mazel tov!

B'nei Mitzvah preparation is a gradual process which begins in the second grade when students are first introduced to Hebrew in Religious School. In addition to regular Hebrew and Religious School classes for the students, our curriculum includes family programming, meetings with private tutors, and rehearsals with clergy to ensure your children (and you!) feel prepared and supported. You will receive your child's Bar/Bat Mitzvah date from our Cantor's office three years in advance, which allows plenty of time to plan for this special day. Our students also eagerly embrace our value of tikkun olam (repairing the world), and most complete a Mitzvah Project as a part of their B'nei Mitzvah process.

A Bar/Bat Mitzvah is a time to celebrate, and Washington Hebrew Congregation has beautiful facilities both at Temple and the Julia Bindeman Suburban Center at which you can host your celebration.

Our B'nei Mitzvah fees cover B'nei Mitzvah programming inside and outside of Religious School, tutoring, materials, and preparation with clergy. 

As you embark on the Bar/Bat Mitzvah process with your family, you may find that you have a lot of questions. We're here with answers to alleviate your concerns.

Whether the loss of a loved one is anticipated or comes unexpectedly, quite often, family members feel unprepared. Our Guide for Jewish Funeral Practices can provide a deeper understanding of the Jewish approach to life and death, specifically, our customs concerning death, burial rites, and mourning. Our clergy are here to support and guide you and your family.

After a loved one passes, please call the Temple before making any arrangements so our clergy can assure their availability to be with you in your time of need. One of our rabbis or cantors will meet with you and your family to help you choose the best way to honor your loved one; can connect you with a Jewish funeral chapel and the Garden of Remembrance (WHC's cemetery in Clarksburg, Maryland); and will officiate at your loved one's funeral, burial, and shiva services. From the rituals and customs of our religion -- preparing for a funeral, sitting shiva, saying kaddish, and observing yahrzeit - to the emotions and grief surrounding a loss, your Temple family and our Caring Committee are here for you.

In the days following a death, mourners sit shiva. What does that mean for you and your family? What happens when shiva ends? Some mourners will find WHC's Judaism and Bereavement: A Guide to Mourning helpful. Washington Hebrew also offers a Bereavement Support Group twice a year to help our members as they grieve. 

The name of this service comes from the act of removing the cloth covering a headstone - unveiling the permanent marker at a loved one's gravesite. Marking the end of the first year of mourning, the Unveiling Service is relatively new in Jewish tradition. It can be led by one of our rabbis or cantors, or you may choose to conduct the service yourself and use our Service of Unveiling with prayers, poems, and Psalms as a guide.

Even after your official period of mourning comes to an end, you may find comfort attending a Yizkor service at Washington Hebrew Congregation. Held four times during the year -- on Yom Kippur and during the festivals of Sukkot, Passover, and Shavuot -- the service is an opportunity for our community to come together in prayer, remembrance, and personal reflection.

We come together in prayer and remembrance whenever there is a loss within our community. For those who wish to be notified of recent losses within our Congregation, we have created a Condolence List. Joining the email list will enable us to send you information about those who have passed and will give you an opportunity to reach out with support for your fellow congregants.

Join List