Our clergy are here to assist you as you celebrate ALL the important moments in your life and the life of your family. Here is a short guideline for some of those moments. Please know that we are sensitive to and work with all family situations: divorce, single-parent, interfaith couples, interracial, and gay/lesbian.
Sickness:
With privacy laws in effect, it is difficult for the staff to know about a person who is sick without someone calling or e-mailing us with information. Please let us know, so that we can reach out, visit, arrange for a meal, or put the name on our Mi Shebeirach list.
Baby Namings/B’rit Milah (Bris):
Brit Milah is celebrated on the eighth day for boys, and includes both the medical procedure and Hebrew naming. Your simcha can occur in the chapel, sanctuary, or at another location. We have a list of mohels with whom we co-officiate. Please note that there is a separate fee for the services of the mohel. Baby namings for girls usually occur within the first few months and can be done within the context of a Shabbat service (Friday or Saturday) or at a separate location.
Bar/Bat Mitzvah:
Dates for Bar/Bat Mitzvah celebration are set three years in advance. We require a minimum of three years of Jewish education, and family participation in a B’nai Mitzvah Retreat held 9-15 months prior. Individual study with the cantor and rabbis begins around five months prior. Attendance for B’nai Mitzvah is required at both Friday night and Saturday morning services.
There is a $750 B’nai Mitzvah fee which covers training, materials, oneg sponsorship, and bimah flowers. We encourage you to consider using Temple Sinai for your Shabbat dinner and celebration following morning services.
Weddings:
All of our clergy officiate at weddings, both in the synagogue and at other locations. Couples should contact the clergy directly to discuss premarital counseling and the ceremony. We particularly welcome the opportunity to talk with interfaith couples.
A New Home or Office:
Our clergy are delighted to mark your significant move by doing a Chanukat HaBayit – a Home Dedication, by coming and helping affix your mezuzah. This short ceremony can be done with just your family, but is also a wonderful opportunity to bring friends and family into your new home.
Funeral:
Please call the synagogue as soon as you hear of a death in your family, even if the funeral will be out of town. Our clergy are here to support you in your grief, with a call or visit, as well as guidance with arrangements, how to talk to children, and planning for shivah. Please do not schedule a funeral service without contacting the clergy.
Fees:
As a Temple Sinai partner, you need not pay a fee for clergy to officiate at a life cycle event for your immediate family. Doing an act of tzedakah in honor of your simcha is always appreciated and can be made to any of the Temple Sinai funds. Please contact Susan Warech (305) 932-9010 about scheduling and fees for the use of the Temple facility.
