LIFECYCLE EVENTS
IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT LIFECYCLE CEREMONIES AT TOURO SYNAGOGUE
During difficult times, it may be more important than ever to mark sacred moments. There is no doubt that life cycle ceremonies in these months look different than they have in the past. Our clergy team knows that this weighs heavily on the minds of Touro families. Understanding how deeply significant such moments are, we have, with the invaluable advice of our Medical Advisory Committee, developed several different scenarios from which families can choose so that we can mark these special moments.
If you are anticipating a simcha such as a baby naming, a wedding, or a Bat or Bar Mitzvah, please reach out to us. It will be our honor to accompany you through the planning and celebrating of such occasions. L’chaim!
Our clergy team is available to all of the members of the Touro Synagogue community for guidance, counseling and support through the full range of lifecycle events. We are also happy to offer these services to those outside our congregational family, pending availability and applicable fees. Please use the resources below to inquire about these possibilities.
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BIRTH
Mazal tov! We so happy to celebrate your newest addition with you, and are thrilled to join in welcoming the newest members of the Touro family. In addition to sending out birth announcements to our community, our clergy are available to officiate at brit milah (circumcision) or baby naming ceremonies in the synagogue or your home.
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B’NAI MITZVAH
Our tradition teaches that at age 13, each of us reaches the age of Bar or Bat Mitzvah (son or daughter of the commandments), marking the time when we take responsibility for our Jewish lives and identities, becoming fully engaged members of the Jewish community. Indeed, one does not have a Bar or Bat Mitzvah – one becomes Bar or Bat Mitzvah. In anticipation of this time of transition, students embark on several months of preparation, in which they build on the foundation of their Jewish education, engaging in the study of Torah, emerging as leaders in our prayer community, and discovering that they have the ability to create meaningful change in the world.
MORE INFORMATION ABOUT B’NAI MITZVAH AT TOURO SYNAGOGUE
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WEDDING
Mazal tov to you and your life partner on your upcoming wedding! Whether you’re looking to mark this special moment as a part of the Touro Synagogue community, or wish to travel to New Orleans for your celebration, we’re thrilled to be with you. Our clergy embraces and equally welcomes interfaith and same-sex couples and is honored to guide you through this process. For more information about possibilities for having your celebration at Touro Synagogue and/or with our clergy, we hope you’ll be in touch.
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CONVERSION
All of our clergy are available to meet with individuals and couples who are interested in exploring Judaism and the conversion process. We are eager to learn with you through an individualized and intensive course of study in that path towards choosing Judaism. We’d be honored to join you on this journey.
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DEATH AND MOURNING
The clergy at Touro Synagogue is here to support the members of our congregational family, not only during times of joy, but also times of grief and pain. We are here to provide comfort, counseling, guidance and support with all matters surrounding the funeral, burial and mourning process. Please notify us so that we can help guide you through this time.
To notify us of a death or pastoral urgency, please call the synagogue office at
(504) 895-4843.