Honors
Being called to the bimah for a baby naming
Being called to the bimah for a child’s bar/bat mitzvah
Offering a prayer to your child at a bar/bat mitzvah
Being part of a family or group blessing before travel
Being called to the bimah to celebrate an anniversary
Participation in parts of services
Brit Millah and Baby Namings
Brit Milah, our circumcision ritual, is the the means by which a boy is welcomed into the Jewish community. It is also when he receives his Hebrew name. Rabbi Siemers will be happy to assist in the planning and participate in the celebration of this incredibly ancient ceremony.
Upon the birth of a daughter, the Rabbi will discuss the options for a naming ceremony in the synagogue or in your own home.
Weddings
Maine, of course, is an excellent destination wedding location. Unions of adults are always magnificent events. Our rabbi will happily meet with all couples for pre-marital counseling, as well as to discuss what opportunities will be available for the fullest participation in this Jewish community.
While our rabbi cannot perform marriages for couples that are not both members of the Jewish faith, we have other arrangements available within our community, and of course the event and celebration can still be held in our beautiful building.
B’Nai Mitzvah
The bar or bat mitzvah ceremony is the entry point for full participation in Jewish life for a young person. Because both parents have been a part of their child’s Jewish journey, both parents have a full opportunity to participate in this ceremony.
On Friday night, Erev Shabbat, the child, along with their parents, will be called to the bimah for Kiddush. On Shabbat morning, Jewish and non-Jewish relatives may take part in various parts of the service, such as the presentation of the tallit, or various prayers and blessings at the end of the service. During the service, parents will be invited to share a blessing with their child.
Bereavement and Funerals
In the event a non-Jewish spouse affiliated with our community loses a loved one, our rabbi will be available for comfort and support, as will the entire community. Many of our traditions surrounding grief and mourning are universal in application. The Chevra Kadisha, our burial society, and Rabbi Siemers can guide you through the process and help you find observances that are meaningful to you.
Our cemetery offers interment for non-Jewish spouses and family members, as well, in our beautiful and serene location at the Mount Hope cemetery in Bangor.
Education
Though surpassed by our interest in feeding everyone, Jews love to share education. You don’t need to be Jewish to enjoy the many educational offerings from our synagogue. Everyone is welcome to our adult education programming.
Most importantly, a child need not be Jewish to participate in Chevruta, our religious school program. Children of interfaith couples may be enrolled in our classes, and may prepare for b’nai mitzvah. If the child is not Jewish, we can and will facilitate conversion as part of their b’nai mitzvah process.
We also are here to help interested partners convert as well, though we will never push you to do it. If you feel like you want to undergo the conversion process, we have a strong lay- and clergy-led effort to help you find your place as a Jew.
