Yizkor
The RP should ensure that all necessary items have been obtained and
that arrangements have been made for these rites. The Jewish chaplain will
normally give specific guidance to the RP in preparing for these rites.
Kiddush
Kiddush is a Sabbath and festival consecration service. Before the Friday
night dinner each Sabbath and on each holy day, the father recites the
Kiddush over a goblet of wine.
Oneg Shabbat
This is a social hour designed to be a time of fellowship, pleasant
conversation, and light refreshment. The food must be kosher, and its
preparation should involve no violation of the Sabbath laws.
Yizkor
Yizkor is a memorial service for the dead. It is held on each day of
Pesoch, the second day of Shavuot, the eighth day of Sukkot, and on
Yom Kippur.
LIFE CYCLE RITES
There are a considerable number of ritual occasions (life cycle events) in
Jewish life when service members may require the services of a rabbi. When
no Jewish chaplain is available, service members are likely to turn to a
layleader for assistance. The layleader should make every effort to secure the
help of the nearest rabbi.
Birth of a Boy
According to Jewish Law, a baby boy should be circumcised on the
eighth day after birth. If a Jewish religious specialist for this operation (a
mohel) is available, the Jewish layleader and the chaplain should arrange to
have the mohel perform the ceremony (called in Hebrew, the bris/brith).
When it is impossible to secure a mohel, a Jewish physician may circumcise
the child. In that case, the doctor or a knowledgeable Jewish layman should
read the appropriate blessings, preferably in Hebrew.
Birth of a Girl
When a daughter is born it is often customary for the father to go to the
synagogue to have her given a Hebrew name and receive a blessing upon this
important occasion. Increasingly, particularly in the liberal Jewish commu-
nity, more and more ritual is being developed to celebrate the birth of a
daughter. Tradition, however, is not strict about the time of this ceremony.
In some circumstances, it may be better to delay the naming ceremony until
the parents are able to attend services in an established synagogue.
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