- Worship
- Education
- Lifecycle
- Events & Programs
- About Us
- Join Us
- Donate
Brit Milah & Baby Naming
Planning Your Brit Milah/Baby Naming
Before the Birth
If you know you’re having a boy, you’ll need to select a mohel (circumciser). There are several mohalim in our area. Some parents like to interview mohalim even before the baby is born. Contact the office for guidance.
On the Birth Day
On the day your baby is born, please contact Rabbi Safra’s office. We want to be able to properly congratulate you and help you secure a time for the Brit Milah or Naming and aliyah at B’nai Israel. If you would like to ensure that particular B’nai Israel clergy can conduct or participate in your simha, please contact them directly.
- Scheduling a Brit Milah: In addition to contacting the synagogue, be sure to contact the mohel on the day the baby boy is born, in order to secure a time for the Brit Milah.
- Scheduling a Naming: Parents can choose to have the naming during the regular Dweck Sanctuary service (Torah reading begins at approximately 9:50 AM) or the Shabbat Minha service (begins at 12:30 PM). Contact Cantor Josh Perlman to reserve the date.
Next Steps
In addition to the Brit Milah and Naming ceremonies, it is common for families to make a donation to the synagogue and host an event in celebration.
- Making a Contribution: Consider making a contribution to the Shabbat Kiddush or a donation to the synagogue. There is no fee for a Brit Milah or Naming, but contributions are welcome. Cantor Bolts will send information about the Shabbat Kiddush after the date is reserved. You can make a contribution to the synagogue here.
- Planning the Party: To host a private event at the synagogue, please reserve a room by contacting Patricia Simitakos, Events Manager at 301-816-5573. Click here to read our list of approved caterers for food service.
Then join us for a special blessing of all babies born during the Jewish calendar year. This ceremony is held on the Shabbat between Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur.
Tue, June 6 2023
17 Sivan 5783
Livestream
Shabbat Services
Friday at 6:15 PM
Saturday at 9:00 AM
the latest
The Mysterious Ritual Of Sotah: Engaging with Ideas We Don’t Understand (Parashat Naso, June 3) by Rabbi Michael Safra
announcements
Pride Shabbat is Saturday, June 10
Join us as we reaffirm and celebrate our commitment to LGBTQ inclusion. Learn more.
Our Lessans Talmud Torah Registration for Next School Year is Now Open!
Generations of families have trusted us with their children's Jewish education. Learn more.
Very Limited Spaces Remains for B'nai Israel Schilit Nursery School and Camp for the 2023-24 Program Year!
Our award-winning school can't wait to meet your family. Learn more.
Have Coffee with a New Friend ON US
Our Coffee Buzz program encourages members to meet for coffee on us while engaging in meaningful conversations. Learn more.
Thank you for voting us Best of Jewish Washington 2022.
Click here to see all of the awards including Best Preschool, Best Hebrew School, Best Senior Programming and many more.
Join Our Shabbat Morning Livestream
Click here to access.
Explore Our Exciting Adult Education Offerings
Learn more here.
weekday services
Sunday | 9:00 AM & 8:00 PM
Monday–Thursday | 7:15 AM & 8:00 PM
Friday | 7:15 AM
*Service times vary on holidays.
Click here for access information.
shabbat services
inclement weather policy
Click here for information.
Join Our Mailing List
We are accessible
B’nai Israel is proud to be accessible to all.
Large print siddurim, assistive listening devices and page magnifiers are readily available. Our entire building and grounds are wheelchair accessible. We can provide sign language interpreters upon request and subject to availability.