Jewish Naming Ceremony
 

I was invited to a naming ceremony. It is for my friend's neice this Sunday. All my friend said was that it is at a Temple and there is no alcohol at the brunch reception.

My question is do I give a gift to the parents/child? Is there a baby naming card from Hallmark or something? Is it kinda like a Christianing? And most imporantly, what should I wear to Temple?

Thanks in advance!!!!

Re: Jewish Naming Ceremony
 

Anything but pork.

solid advice there :p

While I'm not Jewish, my mother has Jewish cousins. You wear to Temple what you would wear to church for a special ceremony - dress, heels, etc. I've never seen such a card at Hallmark, but I would think that any "on this special occasion" card would suffice. As for the gift, cash, savings bond, or stock would be standard, or something else that would be treasured in years to come; they could be registered at The Judiaca Store. We usually have trees planted in Israel for the honoree - but I'll bow to those who would know even more clearly!


ETA: Avoid the Kabbalah things, unless you're 100% sure that the parents are into it!

Well, for a Jewish baby naming for a girl it would be approprite to take a small gift. At my niece's naming she got a baby outfit, baby blankets, etc.... These small, but nice, thoughtful items were given by people who have known my family through the temple where we attend. Usually a baby naming for a girl is a short (maybe 15 min) ceramony. The ceramony is usually a small part of the regular weekly service. For boys, this is different because they name them during their bris.
To temple, I would wear something dressy such as a nice dress, hose, heels etc.... Other questions? Feel free to PM me. Lisa

Your gift does not have to be Jewish, but jewish.com has nice things in their catalog.

On what to wear...


I agree with the people that said something slightly dressy. Business casual would even be fine. My one word of caution--PLEASE make sure your arms and shoulders are covered at all times. I don't know if this is a Reform or Conservative Temple--but especially at a Conservative Temple, you should never go without covered arms. I have seen people being asked to find something to cover themselves up if they show up in short sleeves/tanks.
I personally am a Reform Jew, and never show up to Temple without something on my arms. Even in the summer...although with air conditioning I usually need something anyway because it gets COLD in the sanctuary.

If you have other questions--feel free to PM me. A naming is a wonderful ceremony; usually short; but beautiful and a great life cycle event!

I had heard that you could wear a bikini to a reform temple. I had hoped it too.

-Rudey