One of the joys and privileges of being part of a synagogue community is having a central address where the milestone moments of our lives unfold—not only from one year to the next, but sometimes even from one generation to the next. Throughout its history, Temple Shir Tikva’s families have commemorated together these special times in the Jewish life cycle. These milestones recognize the power of Judaism to deepen our joys and soften our difficult times. They reinforce our sense of community and our link to the past, present and future. Ritual acts are Mitzvot: sanctifying our history, our ideas and uniting us in common practice.
Brit Milah/Brit Bat Naming & Covenant Ceremonies
Every Jewish baby becomes part of an eternal covenant with the Jewish people and with God. The rituals surrounding birth for both boys and girls involve the hopes and dreams of parents for their children as they celebrate the continuation of the Jewish people. At Shir Tikva, these ceremonies are available to members and non-members alike. Please contact the temple office for more information in anticipation of your baby’s arrival.
Consecration
Every year our community celebrates the Consecration of new students in our religious school. Each student receives a personal mini-Sefer Torah, a tube of honey to represent the Torah’s sweetness and some special gifts and blessings on behalf of their parents and our community.
Bar/Bat Mitzvah
Becoming a Bar/Bat Mitzvah at Temple Shir Tikva is one of the most meaningful and joyful expressions of our temple life. It is a milestone along the lifelong road of Jewish growth and learning; at Shir Tikva, the Bar/Bat Mitzvah experience is open to students who are members of our community and are actively engaged in our religious school. This is the culmination of many months of learning and preparation with our teachers, our Rabbis and our Cantor. Our Bar/Bat Mitzvah services take place on Shabbat mornings throughout the year. Like all religious services at Shir Tikva, these services are open to the public and to our entire community. The Bar/Bat Mitzvah experience at Shir Tikva is more fully explained within our education section.
Confirmation
Confirmation is yet another marker on the lifelong road of Jewish education. It is a celebration of our students who have completed 10th grade in Shir Tikva’s Youth Community, an educational year devoted to themes of Jewish engagement with moral dilemmas and controversial contemporary issues. It is an affirmation of their commitment to Jewish responsibility and Tikkun Olam.
Weddings & Marriage
We love weddings at Shir Tikva! A Jewish marriage is called Kiddushin, a sacred relationship marked by a commitment to a Jewish present and future. Jewish weddings can take place in the sanctuary at Temple Shir Tikva or in many other locales. Shir Tikva’s Rabbis and Cantor are available for the weddings of our members and their children. To begin planning your wedding, please contact the temple office.
Deaths & Funerals
Jewish funeral practices allow the mourners to honor a life and receive comfort from their community. When you face the death of a loved one, there are many difficult decisions to be made and families are often in need of comfort, support and guidance. Our Rabbis and Cantor are here to assist and support you during this difficult time. When a family at Shir Tikva is sitting Shiva, we rally to be a community of compassion and comfort. Our volunteers provide a wide variety of essential services in a caring, gentle way. Our Rabbis, Cantor and ritual volunteers will lead services in a family’s home, giving the mourners an opportunity to recite the Kaddish in an environment of support and strength.
The Ritual Committee has prepared a booklet "Death, Mourning and Funeral Standards,". In the event of a death, please contact the temple immediately at our main number 508 358 9992. If a death occurs when the office is closed, please follow the instructions on the temple's recorded message to reach our clergy directly.
