Lifecycle Events - Congregation of Reform Judaism

When our clergy are there with you during a lifecycle event, you will receive a personal touch and a meaningful moment for you and your family. They will be there for you before, during, and after the life cycle event. Each baby naming or wedding is personalized and brings in the whole family. Every funeral or unveiling reflects the beauty and comfort that comes from our Jewish tradition. Being part of a congregational family means celebrations are elevated and difficult times are made more bearable.

To schedule an appointment with Rabbi Jackson or Cantor Bryce to plan your lifecycle event, please contact Annie Hernandez (ahernandez@crjorlando.org or 407-645-0444)

Naming

Baby naming ceremonies for newborns can be done in the synagogue or at home. For older children, congregants are welcome to bring their child for a naming blessing at a Friday night service. We personalize each ceremony, as every individual or family is unique and have special needs and desires. Parents are welcome to consult with Rabbi Rachael Jackson or Cantor Bryce on the selection of an appropriate Hebrew name.

Circumcision (B’rit Mila)

Members are welcome to speak to Rabbi Jackson and consult with Rabbi Israel J. Barzak, Florida Mohel Specialist. Together with Cantor Bryce, they will create and schedule an appropriate and meaningful ceremony for you and your family. Rabbi Barzak will speak to you about the ritual circumcision B’rit Mila (especially when there is reason to postpone beyond the eighth day). Contact Rabbi Barzak.

Weddings

Members of the congregation may ask Rabbi Jackson and/or Cantor Bryce to officiate at their Jewish wedding ceremony, in a venue selected by the celebrants and their families. They will meet with the couple and help them plan a personal and meaningful ceremony.

Speaking of Weddings, Note That . . .

Please notify the congregation when a member of your family becomes engaged, so we can have the opportunity to extend our congratulations and to make your joyful occasion known to the CRJ Family. Send the information to Annie (ahernandez@crjorlando.org).
It is important to consult with CRJ's clergy before scheduling your wedding date.

Anniversary

Join Rabbi Jackson and Cantor Bryce on the bima (pulpit) to celebrate your anniversary and especially a significant anniversary. It is a mitzvah to celebrate!

Conversion

Everyone is welcome to consult with Rabbi Jackson for information about undertaking a course of study toward conversion to Judaism. She asks that those interested in conversion attend services and participate in the programs and events at CRJ before meeting with her.

For more information about the conversion process, please see this flyer.

B'nai Mitzvah

Members’ children who have completed the requisite educational requirements are eligible to become Bar or Bat Mitzvah at CRJ. The Program is directed by Cantor Bryce. Read more about CRJ’s B’nai Mitzvah program.

Death and Mourning

Members of the congregation impacted by illness or death of a loved one may call upon CRJ clergy or the Hospital Visitation Committee for visitation in the hospital, hospice, or nursing home, to provide support and comfort. Rabbi Jackson and Cantor Bryce will help the family plan for, and officiate, a funeral or memorial service.

To schedule an appointment with Rabbi Jackson or Cantor Bryce, please contact Annie Hernandez (ahernandez@crjorlando.org or 407-645-0444).

Shiva (First Week of Grieving)

CRJ members offer support in conducting in-home memorial services daily during the initial week following the burial of a loved one. Everyone in the community who is in mourning may also attend a Friday evening or Shabbat morning worship to pay proper respects to their loved one. We are happy to share a spiritual hug and include the name of the departed family member or friend in that week’s Mourners Kaddish (Memorial) listing.

Sh’loshim (First Month of Grieving)

It is part of Jewish tradition that members of the congregation who are in mourning attend Friday evening and/or Shabbat morning services for the full year after the date of death.

Unveiling

Members of the congregation may call upon the CRJ clergy to conduct a ceremony dedicating the gravestone of a loved one or to create a ceremony when family members choose to conduct their own observance.

Memorialization

Everyone in the community is welcome to memorialize their loved ones by sponsoring a tribute page in each year’s congregational “Yizkor” book and/or a permanent memorial plaque in the sanctuary. For more information contact Michael Kancher (mkancher@crjorlando.org or 407-645-0444).