Celebrating Baby Jonas: A Virtual Baby Naming Full of Love & Legacy

Some families leave a lasting emotional imprint on my heart as an officiant. Josh and Cassie are one of those families. Five years ago, I had the honor of standing with them under their chuppah, officiating their wedding—a moment of joy and unity 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 blessing, baby Jonas.

Josh and Cassie, who now live down South, have moved far from the place where we first met.. But if there’s one thing that transcends miles and time zones—tradition and love. A couple of years ago, we gathered on Zoom for a ceremony to name their older son, Chad, marking the beginning of a cherished family tradition. This time, it was baby Jonas’ turn and once again, the screen filled with the familiar faces of their family and friends. Some joined from across the country, others from just down the street, and a few grandparents were even present in person, bringing a beautiful blend of physical and digital presence to the occasion.

During the virtual ceremony, one of the most touching parts was watching Chad, now a proud big brother, hold up the challah for the motzi. It was a simple but powerful gesture—one that symbolized continuity, family, and celebration. In that moment, I could feel how much tradition means to this family. They may be geographically distant, but their connection to their Jewish roots and to each other remains deeply grounded.

For the kiddush, we used the kiddush cup from Josh and Cassie’s wedding, a sacred object that has now woven itself through multiple family ceremonies. It’s not just a cup—it’s a vessel of memory, symbolizing the blessings of their union and now extending those blessings to their children. That kind of continuity is rare and beautiful. It’s exactly what Jewish rituals are all about—carrying forward meaning, blessings, and identity.

Before the ceremony, I mailed them the baby naming certificate, already signed on my end. During the event, we got to watch Josh and Cassie sign it live. It was a blend of old and new—the ancient traditions of our faith meeting the modern convenience of Zoom.

Continuing the tradition of honoring family heritage, Jonas was named in English after Cassie’s father, Jack, a beloved figure in their family’s story. In Hebrew, he was given the name Jonah—the same Hebrew name carried by his great-grandfather, Jack. In this small but profound act of naming, we witnessed the passing down of legacy, love, and memory from generation to generation.

Officiating this ceremony reminded me—once again—of how resilient and adaptable our traditions are. Whether under a chuppah, in a synagogue, or on a computer screen from hundreds of miles away, the heart of Judaism remains the same: We gather. We bless. We remember. And we celebrate the miracles of life, no matter where or how we meet.