Life Cycle Events
Judaism guides us along a pathway through life by providing rituals that sustain us through birth, learning and growing, family building, and loss. Buoyed by community and inspired by Torah, these life transitions are opportunities to reflect on where we have been and what lies ahead. They help us consider what is precious to us and to convey our most deeply held values.
Births/Baby Naming
There are few moments more glorious than the sight of a newborn or young child hoisted high in the air by the Rabbi before receiving a Hebrew name. Relatives and friends join the congregation for Shabbat morning service. Before the open Torah, spontaneous words of blessings, songs of praise and expressions of delight shower the family as we welcome another new life to our community.
Notify us of a birth
B'nai Mitzvot
B’nai Mitzvot at HSOSC are community endeavors. They provide a joyous opportunity for young people to learn, grow and celebrate together with family, friends and the congregation. We work together to provide every Jewish child with a rich and meaningful celebration of this important Jewish rite of passage.
More info and resources here.
Weddings
As in all things HSOSC, weddings weave tradition and creativity. Each marriage service, performed in accordance with Jewish tradition, leaves room for the couple’s unique expression. Before the wedding procession to the chuppah (wedding canopy) the couple signs their Ketubah before the full assembly of their guests. This Jewish marriage contract binds the couple to one another, and communal witnessing enriches the experience and deepens the connection between the couple and the community. Guests delight as the partners proclaim their loving commitment to each other. Following the ceremony, the now married couple is showered with sweets and a rousing rendition of siman tov u’mazel tov. (“A good sign and good luck”)
Contact clergy to start plannning your wedding at HSOSC!
Conversion
At HSOSC we have members who are lifelong Jews, new Jews, and many folks from other faith traditions who learn and celebrate with us as co-travelers. Along the journey, there are always people who choose to pursue a path to formal conversion to Judaism. Each individual comes forward when they are ready, follows a course of study with our Rabbi, makes prayer and study a regular part of their preparation. Learning about Judaism in local Introduction to Judaism classes offered by the Union for Reform Judaism is always helpful to establish a foundation for Jewish life.
Contact clergy to begin your Jewish journey.
End of Life
The death of a loved one — no matter what one’s relationship in life — can bring a range of feelings, from intense grief to emptiness to deep spiritual awe. HSOSC supports mourners as they begin to take the first sacred steps into mourning.
More info and resources here.
Cemetery Information and Resources for Mourners
Whether you have an immediate need or would like to plan for the future, we are here to help. We maintain four cemeteries and offer both traditional plots as well as mausoleum space.
More info and resources here.
