“Our lives are bounded by enigmas, by the mysteries of birth and death. The Talmud says that there are two moments in a human life over which one has no control, the moment in which one is born and the moment at which one dies. In between those two moments shrouded in uncertainty, a Jew will experience many Sabbaths, many festivals, many new moons, a lifetime of sacred time. But the moments he will experience most directly, no less sacred, are the events that mark an individual lifetime, from birth to death (and perhaps beyond). Judaism has its own way of recognizing and commemorating those moments.”
– from Essential Judaism: A Complete Guide to Beliefs, Customs, and Rituals by George Robinson
At United Hebrew Congregation, we often come together to observe the life cycle events and celebrate as a community. Our events are made all the more special set in our historic, beautiful sanctuary. The following are some resources to help you learn more about the various events one can experience through their lifetime. If you have any questions, are interested in celebrating with us, or would like to make a donation in honor of a particular life cycle event, please feel free to contact us.
Websites
- For information regarding the basics of common life cycle events, please visit Judaism 101 at jewfaq.org.
- For a more Orthodox approach, including some life cycle events less commonly observed, please visit Chabad.org.
- For in-depth articles pertaining to the different stages of life events, please visit Aish.com.
- For more articles, videos, and interactive features, please visit the Union for Reform Judaism at reformjudaism.org.
Books
- Jewish Passages: Cycles of Jewish Life by Harvey E. Goldberg
- Gates of Mitzvah: Shaarei Mitzvah: A Guide to the Jewish Life Cycle by Simeon J. Maslin
- The Tapestry of Jewish Time: A Spiritual Guide to Holidays and Life Cycle Events by Nina Beth Cardin