Lifecycle Events
The Yavneh community supports our members as they observe life-cycle events, among them baby welcoming ceremonies, Bar and Bat Mitzvah, marriage, conversion, and end-of-life. As a Renewal congregation, we encourage members to take an active role in shaping these moments to meet individual spiritual and emotional needs, while staying firmly rooted in the rich traditions of Jewish practice.
Infant Welcoming Ceremonies
Whether you are planning a bris (brit milah, circumcision) or baby-naming ritual, or would like to work with the rabbi or cantor to design a more individually meaningful ceremony, Yavneh can help you explore your Jewish options. In addition, you may choose between a private event or one held in conjunction with a community-wide service.
Bar/Bat Mitzvah
At Yavneh, we believe that a Bar/Bat Mitzvah needs to involve the individual, the family, and the congregation. It is a joyous event marking the transition from child to Jewish adult, or, an opportunity to affirm an adult dedication to Jewish learning and living. In keeping with our Renewal orientation, children or adults who celebrate Bar/Bat Mitzvah within the Yavneh community have a unique opportunity to shape a process that complements specific interests, spirituality, and individual capabilities.
Bar/Bat Mitzvah preparation at Yavneh involves:
Bar/Bat Mitzvah preparation at Yavneh involves:
- a minimum of two years of religious instruction. For children this is ideally through enrollment in one of our educational partners, Beth Meyer Synagogue and Sha'arei Israel, while for adults, this requirement can be fulfilled by participating in the rabbi’s adult B’nei Mitzvah class;
- individualized Torah and liturgy study with Yavneh's rabbi, cantor, and/or personal tutor over the year prior to Bar/Bat Mitzvah;
- engaged family membership for at least two years prior to Bar/Bat Mitzvah, including regular participation in community activities and religious services.
Marriage
Yavneh clergy are available to officiate at marriages for Yavneh members or their families, for both mixed- and same-gender couples. All wedding inquiries are welcome, and in any circumstance where Yavneh clergy cannot officiate, couples will be referred to other qualified officiants.
Conversion to Judaism
Yavneh welcomes inquiries concerning conversion to Judaism from individuals whose spiritual path has brought them to explore this sacred possibility. The conversion process includes careful discernment, individual and group study, immersion in the life of the Jewish community for at least one full liturgical year, the development of personal/family Jewish ritual practices, and appearing before a beit din (a rabbinic panel) to affirm one’s commitment to living a Jewish life.
Pastoral Care
Illness/Injury and End-of-Life - please let our Pastoral Care Coordinator know when you or a loved one face illness, injury, hospitalization, or other serious health concerns. The Care Coordinator and the Yavneh bikkur cholim (“needs of the sick”) team will help provide spiritual and emotional support during difficult times. They are also available to serve you and your family for end-of-life spiritual care, for funerals and throughout the grieving process (during which the Yavneh community will also provide its heartfelt attention and support).
Spiritual Guidance - Yavneh clergy offer confidential, individualized spiritual guidance in response to whatever you may wish to discuss with therm. In the event you seek to design a ritual event for a life experience other than those addressed by traditional practices, please contact them to explore the possibilities.
Spiritual Guidance - Yavneh clergy offer confidential, individualized spiritual guidance in response to whatever you may wish to discuss with therm. In the event you seek to design a ritual event for a life experience other than those addressed by traditional practices, please contact them to explore the possibilities.
Taking the next step
Contact our Community Director via email for more information or to set up an appointment to discuss your life-cycle event. Please include your phone number and/or email, and the best time to contact you.
Note that stated policies notwithstanding, we recognize that there may be special circumstances which require compassion and flexibility. Please don’t hesitate to contact us to discuss the options available.
Note that stated policies notwithstanding, we recognize that there may be special circumstances which require compassion and flexibility. Please don’t hesitate to contact us to discuss the options available.