Life Events
Life Cycle Events
Congregation Beth Shalom supports all traditional Life Cycle Events. We hope to be there in times of special Simchas and in times of sorrow. These events are the natural evolution from birth to death and are often a central part of Jewish families. Our Rabbi is there to assist and provide any guidance or counseling that may be requested.
Bar/Bat Mitzvahs
At Congregation Beth Shalom, we tailor the process to each child’s abilities and experience level. Our Rabbi works one-on-one with each student, structuring each program individually to build upon that child’s strengths. B’nai Mitzvah instruction also is available for adults who wish to celebrate a Bar or Bat Mitzvah.
Weddings
Weddings are a treasured event in Jewish life. Congregation Beth Shalom welcomes our members, including those seeking interfaith and/or same sex marriages, to become married by our clergy. Our Rabbi is also there to counsel and guide the couple through all aspects of a Jewish wedding ceremony. A lovely chuppah is available upon request.
B’rit Milah
This powerful ceremony celebrates new life and brings our sons into Judaism’s sacred covenant. Our worship committee and Rabbi prepare the parents for the ceremony and may co-officiate along with the Mohel. Family doctors may also perform the circumcision in collaboration with a ceremony provided by the Rabbi.
Baby Naming/Simchat Bat
We celebrate the great blessing of a newborn daughter with a ceremony that brings her into the covenant, and confers upon her a Hebrew name. This ceremony often includes family members of the new baby. We offer the opportunity to perform this ceremony either in private or during a special Shabbat Service.
Yahrzeit
Congregation Beth Shalom members are invited and encouraged to provide the name and yahrzeit date of beloved ones who have departed by sending an email to yahrzeit@bethshalomindy.org. Either the Hebrew or English date of their death may be observed. We honor our loved ones’ memory by announcing their names at the Evening Shabbat Services during the anniversary month of their passing.
Healing for our Loved Ones
We invite members to include the names of loved ones and friends who are facing the challenge of illness or injury on our Healing List. Our wish is to support them and their members by reading their names at our Erev Shabbat service and including them in our communal Mi Shebeirach blessing during Shabbat services. In addition, our Rabbi provides personal spiritual support when needed.