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Jewish baby rites

Like some other religions, Jewish baby rites differ for male and female babies.

Circumcision or Brit Milah

Any child born to a Jewish mother is considered a Jew. A Jewish girl does not have to go through the same initiation ceremony as a baby boy. The Brit Milah (circumcision ceremony) is an important initiation rite for young Jewish boys.

Circumcision is a religious obligation on Jews recalling the covenant that God made with Abraham. Ordinarily circumcision ceremonies take place when the child is eight days old but it can be delayed for medical reasons.

The Brit Milah is usually attended by men. The child is placed on the lap of a male friend or relative who has the honour of being the Sandek. He has the responsibility of holding the child still whilst the circumcision is performed by a Mohel.

Naming the baby

Baby boys are also given their names at their circumcisions; it is customary to keep the name a secret before the ceremony.

It is traditional for the child to receive his or her name at the first public gathering, so if the child is a girl, then she will be named at the first public reading of the Torah at the Synagogue.

There are other Jewish traditions but these are more to do with superstition than having any real religious significance; for example pregnant women must not visit cemeteries.

Find out more

• 91Èȱ¬ Religion - Judaism and circumcision
• 91Èȱ¬ Ethics - Male circumcision