Have you had a “spiritual moment”? I’d like to tell you about one such experience that happened for me just today and would be anxious to learn of your experiences of God’s Wonder in your own lives.
Regular readers of Mentschen will know that I have been serving as a mohel here in the Boston area. I’m writing this post as I’ve just returned from doing a “bris” this morning. Being a mohel allows me to speak for a few minutes about the joys of our tradition. It is particularly nice to speak to the many young friends and family members who often aren’t exposed to Judaism, and also to the older family members for whom these words resonate with their own spiritual life.
The moments that are especially moving for me are those around the giving of the baby his name. I encourage parents to spend a few minutes, sharing with those in attendance the story of the name. Who are the men and women that are being remembered through the name of this new baby? What were their stories? What memories can be shared about them?
Whether the memory is of a loving parent or grandparent, a young friend or family member who’s life ended too soon, these stories invariable generate tears around the room. And that includes mine.
It is with great joy that I was honored to bless this child and his parents. I ask God to grant the parents the wisdom and patience to rear this baby into manhood and teaching him to be a loving, caring human being. I was particularly thrilled that there were four (count ‘em) great-grandparents on hand and was happy to pray that they, along with the grandparents experience joy and nachas from the baby.
As I blessed this child and his family I felt the hand of God on my shoulder. It was an extraordinary moment!
Great article!!
At my granddaughter’s, Cara’s, naming, I had the honor to speak about who she was named after. Ken, the father of my son-in-law, passed away shortly before Cara was born. Ken and I presided over the marriage of our children. We partnered in what was one of the most important occasions in our families’ lives. We bonded. Before Ken died, we spoke about the future. But I was privileged to be witness, and Ken was not. Cara was also named after my father-in-law. My wife’s father, Shelley’s father Bill, gave me man-to-man affection that helped me to become the man I am today. I spoke lovingly of both men. As Bob said, there wasn’t a dry eye in the house. Being part of the cycle of life, remembering those who have left, and honoring those who come, is a profound experience. How marvelous to be a mohel, and participate in the cycle of life.
Beautiful, Bob! Keep up the great work.
Regards,
Burt Fischman aka Captain Ruach
I have heard Rabbis refer to the naming of a child as the only form of prophesy than most of us ever get to experience. When seen in this light, the spirituality of selecting a name for a newborn becomes even more awesome.
As a Jew-by-choice, I had the very usual experience of selecting my own Hebrew name. This selection was not something to take causality knowing the spiritual meaning and associations that accompany this choice. In the end I select Yogev Zander as it most closely resembled my given name and kept alive the associations and spirit of the choices my parents gave to me.
-Alex Romano