RELIGIOUS RITES
In addition to divine services, RPs must also assist the chaplain with
preparations for religious rites. Religious rites are common to most of the
faith groups represented within the military chaplaincy. As an RP, your
support duties in regard to these rites are secular in nature. Support arrange-
ments for these rites are made through the chaplains since their requirements
differ to a marked degree. Two of the most common religious rituals with
which you should become familiar concern the Jewish rite of circumcision
(BRIT MILAH) and the various forms of Christian baptism. These rites are
discussed in the following paragraphs.
The Jewish Rite of Circumcision (BRIT MILAH)
There are many ritual occasions on which Jewish service members may
require the services of a rabbi. One of the more frequently observed is the
Jewish rite of circumcision. When no Jewish chaplain is available within the
command, the command chaplain will make every effort to secure the
assistance of the nearest rabbi for this rite. According to Jewish law, a Jewish
male should be circumcised on the 8th day following his birth. The rite of cir-
cumcision may be postponed, however, if it is considered medically
necessary. Just prior to circumcision, the child may be placed upon a seat
which is called Elijah’s chair. Jewish tradition asserts that this ceremony is
symbolic of the male child being entered into the covenant of Abraham and
developing into a healthy, adult Jewish man. The circumcision will normally
be performed by a specialist known as the mohel. When it is impossible or
difficult to secure a mohel, a Jewish physician may circumcise the child, but
in any case, a rabbi should be consulted beforehand. The child is named at
the ceremony. A Jewish girl receives her name during a Sabbath service
which follows her birth at which time her father maybe called to the reading
of the Torah.
The Christian Rite of Baptism
As a Religious Program Specialist, you may be required to assist the
chaplain in the preparation and care of the articles and appointments used
during baptismal rites. Baptism may be performed by immersion; sprinkling;
or pouring; depending upon the guidelines of the faith group represented by
each chaplain. Baptismal rites are governed by the guidelines set forth by
these faith groups, the individual preferences of each chaplain, and the
preference of the candidate(s). The procedures to be used will be determined
by the chaplain prior to the baptismal service.
BAPTISM BY POURING OR SPRINKLING.—Rigging the chapel for
the baptismal service normally is carried out in the following manner:
1. Clean the baptismal font and fill with warm water. (NOTE:
Remember to remove the cover prior to the service.)
2. Place a small table next to the font. It should be draped with a white
cloth and may include the following items:
Oils (to be provided by chaplain).
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