Life Cycle Events

Life Stages

Brit Milah

A brit milah, also known as a bris, is the Jewish ceremony in which a baby boy is circumcised. Circumcision dates back to the Book of Genesis, when God commands Abraham to circumcise himself and his offspring as a sign of the covenant between Jews and God.

Life Stages

Pidyon Haben – Redeeming Of The Firstborn

A Pidyon Haben takes place because the Torah states that every firstborn son initially “belongs” to God (Bamidbar 3:13). The ceremony commemorates the miracle in which the firstborn sons of the Israelites were saved during the ten plagues in Egypt. The child is redeemed by the father giving five special coins to a Cohen.

Life Stages

Baby Blessing

Pinner Shul holds a baby blessing ceremony twice a year, on Shavuot and Succot, for those babies born in that year.

The ceremony takes place immediately after Adon Olam, at the end of the Yom Tov service.

Life Stages

Bat Mitzvah

You may have been to friends’ or siblings’ Bat Mitzvah celebrations and seen anything from at-home get-togethers to lavish, wedding-style events. It has become more and more common in the last few decades to throw big parties, but it’s important to remember that a Bat Mitzvah is much more than just a party.

Life Stages

Bar Mitzvah

Bar mitzvah is Hebrew for “son of commandment.” When a Jewish boy turns 13, he has all the rights and obligations of a Jewish adult, including the commandments of the Torah. From that date, he will wear tefillin on a daily basis, participate in synagogue services and take his place in the Jewish community.

Life Stages

Mikvah

The mikvah as an institution is the victim of a popular misconception. Immersion in water is naturally associated with cleansing. To further complicate the issue, Jews historically were often barred by the authorities from using rivers in their cities for bathing.

Life Stages

Kiddushin – Betrothal

Two Stages in Marriage
According to Torah law, marriage is a two-step process. The first stage is called “kiddushin,” and the second step is known as “nisu’in.” Kiddushin is commonly translated as betrothal, but actually renders the bride and groom full-fledged husband and wife.

Life Stages

Levaya – Burial

The shul is here to help you in the event of a bereavement.

• If the Shul office is open (ring 020 8868 7204) the administrator will take relevant details from you and they will contact the Burial Society for you.
• If the Shul office is closed please contact the Burial Society on 020 8950 7767. (If the Burial Society Offices are closed please call 07957 119 119. This service is not available on Shabbat or Yomtov.)