(Note: This page provides details for a private invitation. If you have reached this page in error, please disregard it.)
What times are the celebrations?
Zoey will be formally named in a brief ceremony during Shabbat services, around 10:30 a.m. To make sure you don't miss it, we encourage you to be seated by 10:15 a.m. Once services conclude, we will continue with a private ceremony and lunch reception in the same building from 12:30 to 1:30 p.m., catered by Zoey's favorite bakery. You are welcome to join us for either or both parts of the celebration.
What if I can't make it?
We are sorry to miss you and hope you can meet Zoey soon! The Shabbat service will be livestreamed, and a recording will be available afterwards. We are working on arrangements to livestream or record the private ceremony. Please let us know if you need either link.
What are Shabbat services? What if it's my first time?
Shabbat is the Jewish sabbath, which occurs every week from sundown on Friday to sundown on Saturday. In most congregations, the primary weekly service is on Saturday morning. The service begins at 9:30 a.m. and ends around 12:30 p.m., but you don't have to attend the whole thing and you can generally enter and exit the sanctuary as needed. There will be several hundred people in attendance, so you will not be conspicuous when you arrive or leave, and there will always be someone later than you. The service consists of spoken and sung prayers and readings in Hebrew and English. You are welcome to participate as much or as little as you'd like. Just stand up and sit down when everyone else does, and you'll be fine. If you're curious about anything, we'd be happy to explain more after the service ends. Here's a great summary of what to expect at Shabbat services.
What should I bring or not bring?
What will happen at the ceremonies?
At the 10:30 a.m. ceremony, Zoey and her parents will be called up to the bimah (stage), and given the honor of reciting the blessings before and after a portion of the Torah is read. Next, the rabbi will say a special blessing for Zoey and formally announce her Hebrew and English names. Finally, Zoey's parents will give a brief explanation of her names. Because we have a large congregation, there will be several families celebrating happy occasions and Zoey's public ceremony will only last a few minutes. After services, we'll move to a private room upstairs where we'll have more time to mingle, eat, and hold a family ceremony.
What should I wear?
Dress ranges from business casual to business, so feel free to dress comfortably as long as it's respectful and modest. Many women and girls will wear skirts, pants, or dresses, and many men and boys will wear collared shirts with nice pants. Many men will wear jackets, and some will wear ties, but these are not required. A head covering called a kippah or yarmulke should be worn by men while in the synagogue building, and may also be worn by women. A head covering is a sign of respect, and they will be provided in the lobby near the sanctuary doors.
What if I need a special accommodation?
All food served at our reception will be kosher and nut-free, and there will be vegan and gluten-free options available. The synagogue building, including the rooms we will be using, are accessible without stairs. Detailed accessibility information is linked from the invitation. If you need any other physical or dietary accommodations to fully participate, please let us know when you RSVP.
How can I help keep Zoey safe?
Zoey will be seven weeks old at the time of the celebration, so she will not have received all of her initial vaccinations yet. Please help keep Zoey (and yourself and everyone else) safe by ensuring you are current on your own COVID-19, flu, and TDAP vaccinations. It's easy to schedule all of these at once at your local pharmacy like CVS or Walgreens, and it's best if you get the shots by May 4 so they have time to reach full protection. You may also want to ask your healthcare provider about whether you should be vaccinated against shingles and RSV, and if so you can get these at the same time.
Thank you for celebrating with us!
Yael & Craig
Revised April 29, 2024