There is nothing more joyous than welcoming a child into the community of the Jewish People. These rituals may take place in the synagogue or in the home.
For a Bris we work with local mohelim (who are trained to perform circumcision) to create meaningful rituals. A Brit Bat is welcoming a daughter into the covenant of the Jewish people. (“Brit” and “bris” both mean covenant, and “bat” means daughter). Rituals for girls are relatively new in Jewish history, and we work with families to create sacred moments that reflect ancient customs with new innovations. It may include poems, readings, or blessings and babies are blessed and wrapped in a tallit (prayer shawl) which symbolizes the Torah and commandments.
Our celebrations extend to adoptions and surrogacy when a mikvah (ritual bath) may be required. We encourage members of both sides of Interfaith families to participate. Rabbi Adler can also work with families to choose Hebrew names.
FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: EMAIL OR CALL (978) 927-3211.
Each child who prepares for and celebrates becoming b-mitzvah at Temple B’nai Abraham is on a unique personal journey as well as following in the footsteps of our ancestors. They spend at least one year studying one-on-one with our Rabbi. Together they get to know each other, learn how to chant Haftarah and Torah and write a teaching on the Torah portion. Each student chooses a mitzvah project that reflects their own passions and interests.
We also recognize that this is a powerful moment in the life of the entire family. Parents participate with their kids in Family Education programs to explore the history and spiritual meaning of this event and are engaged deeply in the process. Some parents choose to read a section from the Torah as well.
The bar and bat mitzvah students read from our Czech Torah Scroll that survived the Holocaust – an act of inspiration and hope for them and for all who are present at that sacred moment in their lives.
FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: EMAIL OR CALL (978) 927-3211.
People exploring conversion to Judaism may either take a regional class called Introduction to Judaism, sponsored by the Lappin Foundation and taught by all area rabbis, or they may study one-on-one with Rabbi Adler. Their study culminates in ritual and communal celebration. Babies and children can also brought to the mikvah (ritual bath) for conversion. There is no cost to conversion.
CONTACT RABBI ALISON ADLER VIA EMAIL OR PHONE (978) 927-3211.
Celebrate your Simcha (joyous event) with us. Rabbi Adler is available to officiate at weddings that can take place in our beautiful sanctuary or outside garden or at some other location. She also officiates with interfaith couples who may not both be Jewish but are committed to having a Jewish home. Her goal is to help create a ceremony with a couple that reflects who they are while drawing on ancient Jewish law and traditions.
CONTACT RABBI ALISON ADLER VIA EMAIL OR PHONE (978) 927-3211.
Our synagogue and/or Rabbi are available for member and non-member funeral services. Specific arrangements should be made through your funeral director.
Temple B’nai Abraham oversees two cemeteries. Sons of Abraham on Cole Street in Beverly is a member-only cemetery. Our second cemetery Sons of Jacob located on Buxton Road, Danvers is a member cemetery that allows unaffiliated interments. Both cemeteries have an interfaith section. For more information contact the temple office at (978) 927-3211.