Each of us exists in this earthly incarnation for a brief, finite moment between birth and death. Each of us seeks meaning and purpose in the life we are given. The way Judaism marks major transition moments in life highlights that meaning, for each of us as individuals, for our families and our community.

Kol Ami is about the ways we can care for each other in community though these major events. We can all sing and dance, sharing the joy of bride and groom, or celebrating the birth of a child. When we sing the prayer for healing in the synagogue, we learn who needs a visit or some other source of support. We see the mourners rise for Kaddish and know whom we must comfort. Our passage through life gains much meaning through our connections with other people when we share our most significant transitions.

A Brit Milah (ritual circumcision) ceremony takes place on the 8th day after birth (count the day of birth as day one, unless the baby was born after sundown). It can be held at the hospital, at home, or at Kol Ami. A Baby Naming can take place at anytime, however many people do this within the first few months. The naming can be done privately at home or by one of our Rabbis during a Shabbat service. We suggest that you contact one of the Rabbis before the baby is born to discuss issues related to a baby naming or Brit Milah ceremony. Please be sure to clear the date with the officiating Rabbi and the Executive Director who can assist you with arrangements.

In Reform Judaism we celebrate this rite of passage from childhood into adulthood at age 13 for both boys and girls. Youngsters conduct the Shabbat worship service, read from Torah, and deliver a speech at a Shabbat service. Preparation for this event, which is important in the life of both the child and the family, is done by our Rabbis, Cantor and through the Religious School. Beginning in the 6th grade, the whole family is involved in a series of enriching workshops. The Bar/Bat Mitzvah student also completes a meaningful and significant Mitzvah Project. To qualify, youngsters must be enrolled in and fulfill the requirements of our religious school.

Tenth grade at Kol Ami is a special year during which the class studies with our Rabbis. At the end of the year our youngsters celebrate a public affirmation of their commitment to live as Jews. The entire class leads the congregation in worship on Shavuot, the festival that marks the receiving of the Torah by Moses at Sinai. Confirmation does not mark the end of religious school, but is a step along the way toward graduation from Kol Ami High School in twelfth grade.

Our Rabbi’s are available to officiate weddings, for members and their children, at Kol Ami and elsewhere. It is important that you reserve your date with the officiating Rabbi as soon as possible. If you want the wedding to take place at Kol Ami, contact the Executive Director to set the time and date. When choosing a date, remember that Jewish weddings are not performed on Shabbat or festivals (on Saturday evenings, they may be scheduled 45 minutes after sundown.)

Our facilities are available for a fee to our members and their children for Weddings and Receptions.

Some members who did not have the opportunity to celebrate their passage into Jewish adulthood at age 13 and want to experience the joy of celebrating it later in life. Our Rabbis teach a special class for men and women wishing to have a Bar or Bat Mitzvah ceremony. Preparation time is about two years.

The beginning of a child’s Jewish education is a celebration for the entire community. A ceremony is held on Simchat Torah eve, when the congregation gathers to celebrate the cycle of reading the Torah each year, to celebrate our children’s entry into formal Jewish education. This usually occurs in the year the children are in kindergarten.

Judaism recognizes that despite their intent at the time of the wedding, couples sometimes realize that their marriage is no longer working and make the difficult decision to dissolve it. Jewish tradition provides a religious and spiritual context not only for the formation of the marriage, but, when necessary, for its dissolution as well. Our Rabbis are always available to help you and to respond to your individual needs.

Conversion to Judaism is a significant act of personal religious commitment. As has always been true in Judaism, we welcome into our congregational family those who choose to make this life-changing, life-long decision. If you are interested in conversion, please meet with one of our Rabbis. You will be given information on our introductory course in Basic Judaism, which is the starting point for exploring your interest.

When death is imminent, families and friends need comfort, care, support, and guidance. Oftentimes, difficult and complicated decisions need to be made and the emotional and spiritual needs are sometimes overwhelming. Our Rabbis are available for help during the difficult days. When death occurs, please notify the temple. If the office is closed and you need the help of a Rabbi, you may contact one of them at home. They can help you with the arrangements for a funeral service and answer any other questions you might have. Setting a time for the service: The funeral date and time need to be coordinated between the families, the Rabbi, and the funeral home. Please talk to the Rabbi before setting the time

Upon returning home from the funeral, it is customary to light the Shiva (seven-day) Memorial candle and place it in a public area of your home, such as a living room or den. This candle will be given to you by the funeral director.

Families often choose to say kaddish at home for family and close friends following the funeral. You can arrange for a shiva service with the Rabbi at the same time you make the funeral arrangements. In addition, the name of your loved one will be read at all Shabbat services for one month following the funeral.

On the anniversary of a death, a 24-hour Yahrzeit (memorial) candle (available in grocery stores or at our Judaica Shop) is lit by family members and placed in a public area of your home. It is lit at sundown of the day prior to the anniversary of the death. Your loved one’s name will be read at the service that day and at all Shabbat services that week. You will receive an advance notice of the service times and dates for those loved ones you have listed.

Four times a year there is a special memorial service in remembrance of all our deceased loved ones. It takes place on Yom Kippur afternoon, and on the mornings of the seventh day of the holidays of Sukkot and Pesach, and the morning of Shavuot.