Birth and Naming Rituals: Entering the Covenant and Welcoming The Newest Members of Our Community
We celebrate the arrival of the youngest members of our community with the traditions of b’rit milah (circumcision of baby boys), simchat bat (the celebration of the birth of a daughter), naming rituals and adoption ceremonies. We will work with you to create a meaningful celebration to welcome your blessed child. Our clergy will assist you in finding a mohel (the one who performs the circumcision), scheduling the event, and crafting a Jewish ceremony that suits your familiy’s unique needs. Interfaith families, indeed families of all varieties, are welcomed and embraced.
Conversion: Another Sacred Path To Entering The Covenant
In an age without religious coercion, we are all, in some ways, “Jews-by-choice.” Throughout our history, there have always been those who sought us out, who joined our ranks, and who made us stronger through their passion and commitment. Our clergy work with those exploring Judaism, whatever the outcome of that exploration may be. We provide gateways to Jewish life and entrance points to Jewish learning. All are welcome to explore their sacred journeys.
Bar/Bat Mitzvah: Teachers of Torah, Leaders of Prayer
Bar/Bat Mitzvah marks a young Jew’s coming of age and accepting the responsibility to perform the mitzvot (commandments). Our B’nai Mitzvah (plural of Bar/Bat Mitzvah) see themselves as part of a chain of Jewish tradition, and see this day not as the beginning of a new level of Jewish life. They serve as “teachers of Torah” and “leaders of prayer”: taking a large role in leading the liturgy of the service, as well as sharing insights into the weekly Torah reading. See Education for more information about our bar/bat mitzvah program.
While Bar/Bat Mitzvah traditionally takes place at the age of 13, it is never too late to celebrate this sacred ritual. Whether you are 14 or 114, if you never had the opportunity to become bar/bat mitzvah or wish to do it again, our clergy will work with you towards this goal. Adult Bar/Bat Mitzvah classes are offered regularly, and special courses of study are available.
Confirmation: The Power of Commitment
As our religious school and congregation grow, we have the opportunity to bring a deeper understanding of Torah to more and more members of our community. Our new Confirmation program engages our young adults in deepening their learning, spirituality, and Jewish identity. Instituted by German Reform Jews in the 19th century, this ceremony marks a deepening commitment on the part of our young people. Each Confirmation class will lead a service written with their own words and reflections: a living Midrash (interpretation) of Jewish life. In these ways, and more, we teach our young adults to “own” their Jewish identity.
Marriage: Creating a Family
Kiddushin is the Hebrew word for “marriage.” It comes from the word kadosh, which means “holy.” Both words contain within them the implication of “sacred” as “set aside, unique, special.” The bond we form with a life-partner is meant to be just that – the most sacred, the most special, the most exclusive and unique relationship in our lives. At Aspen Jewish Congregation, we celebrate the formation of Jewish families through the traditions of our people. We know that Jewish families today come in many different forms, and couples looking ahead to a wedding ceremony should speak directly with one of our clergy. We also provide a pre-wedding ritual called aufruf, which honors the couple with a special blessing at a Shabbat before their wedding.
Death and Mourning: The Final Transition
At Aspen Jewish Congregation, we are here to provide a loving and supportive setting for the most painful of all transitions: the struggle and the mourning associated with the end of life. Our clergy work with our congregants to learn about Jewish customs surrounding death and mourning, plan for and conduct the funeral and shivah minyan services (services traditionally held in the homes of mourners in the days immediately following a funeral), and serve as a caring “bridge” for families navigating the details of dealing with hospitals, funeral homes, and cemeteries. We are here, as well, for counsel and whatever comfort we can provide in the face of sadness and tragedy and loss.
We are also here to assist our congregants in marking the anniversaries of a loved one’s passing, assisting with unveiling (brief rituals dedicating the gravestone) and marking yahrtzeits (anniversary of death) and yizkor (remembrance at certain sacred holidays).
For those wishing to be buried in Aspen, plots in the Jewish section of the cemetery are available.
