Celebrating Jonny’s Baby Naming in Paramus, NJ

As an officiant, I guide families through some of life’s most meaningful occasions. 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.

Jonny was named for his great-grandfather, Jonathan, who held a special place in the heart of Jonny’s father, Scotty. You could just feel the admiration when Scotty spoke about him and how Jonathan’s kindness, humor, and strength shaped the person Scotty is today. Passing down this name wasn’t only about honoring a relative; it was about carrying forward a light that has guided the family for decades, now shining into little Jonny’s new life.

The ceremony itself was beautifully layered. It wasn’t just a naming; it was a true welcoming. The room was filled with grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins, and dear friends, all gathered to wrap Jonny in love and blessings. There’s something almost electric about seeing multiple generations come together around one tiny new soul, each person representing a piece of the larger story of which this baby is now a part.

One of my favorite moments from the morning was when Jonny’s grandparents came forward to deliver their joint blessing. You could see it in their eyes—the pride, the emotion, the sense of continuity. Their words weren’t rehearsed or stiff; they came straight from the heart, full of warmth and wishes for Jonny’s future. Watching them speak, I saw a lifetime of family history, laughter, and shared struggles standing there with them, flowing into the next chapter through Jonny.

When Jonny’s uncle stepped up for a reading, the room softened even more. His voice was both strong and gentle, threading together stories of family traditions and dreams for Jonny’s life. You could almost see the invisible threads connecting each person in the room, pulling tighter and stronger with every word.

What made this ceremony truly special, though, was its inclusivity. Though it was a Jewish baby naming, the family also included an interfaith blessing, honoring Jonny’s diverse background from both sides of his family. This moment spoke volumes about respect, about embracing every piece of Jonny’s identity, and about the power of love to bridge traditions. In that interfaith blessing, I saw the future: a generation growing up knowing that they are whole, that they belong everywhere they stand, and that every part of their story is worth celebrating.

As we wrapped Jonny in blessings and love, I looked around the room and saw many happy tears and loving smiles. It wasn’t just about giving Jonny a name, but about introducing him to a circle that would support him for a lifetime. He was being truly welcomed, and celebrated, not just for who he might become one day, but for exactly who he is right now—tiny, wide-eyed, and already deeply loved.

Being part of Jonny’s baby naming reminded me once again why these moments matter so much. It’s about names, yes—but even more, it’s about weaving new life into an intricate and enduring tapestry. And in that tapestry, Jonny’s thread shines bright and strong.