Lifecycles
Birth/Baby Naming
You are expecting a baby! Mazel tov!
At Congregation Darchei Noam, we see baby namings and britot (the plural of bris, the Jewish covenantal circumcision) as beautiful opportunities to create new Jewish paths for our growing families. We can help connect you to blessings and resources for both home and congregational ceremonies.
We look forward to joining you and your family to help shape a Jewish ritual for your baby that marks their entry into the world and our community with meaning and purpose. As a member of Reconstructing Judaism, we honour both matrilineal and patrilineal descent. We understand that decisions about birth rituals can be complex, and we are here to connect you with one of our Rabbis who can guide you through this process.
B’mitzvah
Weddings
Mazal tov! We are excited to officiate your joyful wedding ceremony! At Darchei Noam, we proudly celebrate couples from every background: multi-heritage, Jewish, interfaith, LGBTQ+. If you are planning a wedding, we would be delighted to work with you. Our Rabbis take a couple-centered approach and will help you create a dynamic ceremony that fits your vision. Following your ceremony, we hope you will stay connected to your Darchei Noam community for a lifetime!
To learn more, please contact Aya.
Exploring Judaism – Pathway to Conversion
Are you wondering what it would mean to become Jewish? We are here to help you explore this spiritual journey. At Congregation Darchei Noam, the path toward becoming Jewish is tailored to each individual and can take many forms. For those seeking to become Jewish in our community, we aim to create ways toward Judaism that are engaging, accessible, joyful, and meaningful.
The specific process of becoming a Jew By Choice at Darchei Noam includes:
- Taking the Exploring Judaism class
- Participating in Shabbat and holiday celebrations
- One-on-one sessions with our Rabbis for approximately a year for study, spiritual guidance, and discussion
- A conversion ceremony that includes a mikvah (immersion in the ritual bath) and a beit din (ceremonial conversation with three witnesses to your spiritual journey)
- We strongly recommend joining us for a festive public blessing during a Saturday morning service, which includes receiving your Hebrew name.
If you are interested in becoming Jewish, are unsure, or have questions about the process, we are here to speak with you! Please contact Aya.
End of Life
We are here to support you.
Our Rabbis often meet with congregants who are battling illness, mourning the loss of a loved one, or seeking guidance with planning for end-of-life issues. Judaism offers a rich tradition of rituals and customs to guide us through these painful and difficult times. Please know that we are here to support you during this time. We are honoured to help arrange hospice visitors, arrange meals, and recommend support groups as you wish.
If a loved one has passed away, please contact Aya, who will connect you to one of our Rabbis.
