Parents with baby
In Biblical times, a parent chose a baby’s name from circumstances associated with conception, delivery, divine acts, ad sometimes from nature. For instnace, Isaac or Yitzchak means, “he will laugh.” Sarah laughed when she found out she was pregnant as she and Abraham were at an old age. In nature, the Prophetess-Judge Deborah, means “a swarm of bees.”
During the 2nd Temple Era, parents named their children after grandparents instead of events and circumstances. Since Talmudic times (1st Centuray), when naming a son at his brit milah or circumcision, the parents ahve expressed the hope that their child will grow up to a life of Torah, marriage, and will perform good deeds. In modern times, this blessing has become part of girl naming ceremonies.
Simchat Bat, or Jewish Baby Naming Ceremony for girls is relatively new. Prior to 40 years ago, baby girls were named at the synagogue on their first Shabbat. Only the father attended the service and the rabbi would bestow a blessing. This is how I was named.
Since the early 1970′s, welcoming ceremonies for girls have become widespread. Welcoming daughters with Jewish ritual in a religiously significant way grew out of the feminist movement. Women have a voice in Judaism that deserves and needs to be heard.
Cantor Barbra conducts Jewish baby naming ceremonies in Northern NJ as well as Rockland County, NY. For more info log onto: www.cantorbarbra.com
