MY BLOG

The Silverman family gathered at the Southampton Social Club to welcome their youngest, Zachy, into the covenant of the Jewish people. I have also had the honor of officiating baby namings for his older siblings, Charles and Marin, so this ceremony felt like returning to something familiar and cherished, and was a super fun reunion!

We gathered at Sam’s of Gedney Way in White Plains for a baby naming ceremony that felt both simple and deeply meaningful. Family and friends came together to welcome two new children, Sally and Jason, into the covenant of the Jewish people.

When planning a Jewish ceremony, understanding the order and significance of each element is crucial. These ceremonies are not simply a list of prayers or blessings to check off of a program. Instead, they represent a journey, weaving an arc that stretches from the past, through the present, into the future. This journey is part of what we call in Hebrew “hashalshelet ha-kabbalah”, the chain of tradition.

A baby naming is more than just a ceremony; it's a welcome and a moment when a new soul is folded into the fabric of family, community, and tradition. Whether your baby is just a few weeks old or already walking, this is your chance to formally welcome your child into the covenant of the Jewish people, and give your child a name to use in that community that carries meaning, history, and hope. These are the questions I walk through with families when we begin this sacred pla

Every so often I have the honor of standing with a family on a day that feels like it’s been waiting in their hearts for generations. Jonny’s baby naming ceremony in Paramus, New Jersey was one of those days. From the moment I arrived, I could tell that this wasn’t just an ordinary celebration, but one filled with memory, hope, and deep love.

Baby namings aren’t simply about giving a child a Hebrew name—they’re about introducing the child to their community, honoring the past, and planting seeds for the future. It’s that first moment when we say to a new little soul, “You belong here, and you’re part of something bigger.”

Some families leave a lasting emotional imprint on my heart as an officiant. Josh and Cassie are one of those families. I had the honor of officiating their wedding—a moment of joy that kicked off a beautiful journey together. Since then, I’ve watched their family grow, and despite the physical distance, I’ve been incredibly grateful to remain a part of their life’s milestones. Most recently, I had the privilege of leading a virtual baby naming ceremony for their newest bles

Gathered in a charming restaurant in the heart of Greenwich, Connecticut, we marked a moment that was both ancient and new—welcoming a beautiful little girl into the covenant of the Jewish people with a baby naming ceremony.

Dara’s baby naming at Old Westbury Country Club was a beautiful gathering filled with love, heritage, and connection.

I had the honor of welcoming baby Abraham into the Jewish community. It was an intimate and heartfelt ceremony.