In addition to the holidays and religious observations celebrated throughout the Jewish year, families may wish to have a blessing or celebration to mark a life cycle event such as milestones, anniversaries, birthdays and travel. Rockdale Temple is the place to celebrate special moments and make them sacred.

In the Jewish tradition, having children is not only a primary religious obligation; it is to be one of the sources of happiness. The arrival of a new Jewish baby has always been greeted with delight, ceremony, and a wealth of customs. Brit, is the Hebrew word for covenant. The covenant of circumcision is the oldest continuous Jewish rite, a ritual that unites Jews throughout the ages. Taking place on the 8th day following the birth of a baby boy, this ancient ceremony announces the parents’ commitment to taking on the responsibilities and joys of raising a child according to the terms of the contract between God and the Jews. Brit Bat, the act of welcoming infant daughters to this historic relationship, does the same with words and rituals.

To schedule a Brit ceremony, please contact the Rabbi. There are many options available to you for the location:
• Your Home
• The Hospital
• Rockdale Temple
• During a worship service on Friday night or Saturday morning
• The Rabbi’s Study

The Rabbi will help you decide on the appropriate time and place for your special ceremony.

During the festival of Simchat Torah we celebrate as a community the beginning of formal Jewish education of our youngest Temple members. The evening of celebration begins with a dinner for the entire family. The celebration continues on the Bimah as the students receive their very own Torah scroll. Contact the Education Director for more information.

[Bar and Bat Mitzvah] really means. . . “Old enough to be responsible for the Mitzvot.” Mitzvot are the commandments that a Jew does in order to not only live a Jewish life, but also to sanctify life.” —Rabbi Jeffrey K. Salkin, Putting God on the Guest List

The Celebration of becoming an adult in the Jewish community is a joyful one at Rockdale Temple. The ceremony itself is the result of study in our religious school, family classes and exploration into the meaning of milestone, and private study and conversation with the rabbi. The Bar or Bat Mitzvah leads a Shabbat service and is called to the Torah in honor of his/her commitment to a Jewish future. The service celebrates both individual accomplishment and communal values.

Students who are in good standing in our Religious School program and who have achieved the equivalent of three years of Hebrew proficiency are eligible to become Bar/Bat Mitzvah at Rockdale Temple.

Rockdale Temple encourages all of our Religious School students to continue their studies at the Cincinnati Reform Jewish High School. We celebrate Confirmation in the tenth grade. The Rabbi teaches Confirmation Class, which includes a class trip to Washington, DC and exploration of belief and action within the Jewish tradition. The Confirmation Experience concludes when our Confirmands affirm their commitment to Judaism during a beautiful Shavuot service written by members of the class.

Conversion to Judaism is a significant act of personal religious commitment, and those who choose to become Jews are welcomed into our congregation. Those interested in the possibility of conversion are encouraged to meet with the rabbi. A course of study will be laid out for that individual, including the community “Introduction to Judaism” class.

The Jewish Wedding is a holy and joyous time. Our Rabbi enjoys working with couples to make each wedding a meaningful celebration. Couples who are members (or children of members) of the Rockdale Temple are invited to be married in our warm and beautiful chapel. The Rabbi will work with non-members who wish to be married in another location. Couples should contact the rabbi for an appointment and to set a wedding date.

Families wishing to celebrate significant wedding anniversaries should contact the rabbi. This celebration can take place in the synagogue or other appropriate locations. The congregation also celebrates the Anniversaries of all congregants married in a particular month, during one of the Shabbat evening services of that month.

“May God comfort you among the mourners of Zion and Jerusalem.”

When death is imminent, families and friends need comfort, support, care, and guidance, which our Temple community can provide. The time of bereavement is difficult. Personal rabbinic guidance is available to help families organize their plans and prepare. At the time of death please notify Rockdale immediately at 513-891-9900. Funeral services, shivah minyans, and unveilings are scheduled directly with the rabbi.