Life Cycle and Transitions

From the perspective of Reform Judaism, there is more than one authentic way to be Jewish. Judaism changes and adapts to remain meaningful to all members of our community.

From birth to death, Jewish tradition provides prayer and ritual to help us move through life’s transitions with joy, learning, community, dignity and healing. Reform Judaism maintains its connections to the generations of the people of Israel through the ever-evolving teachings of Torah and by observing our traditions in new ways. With the help of our clergy, our members plan and celebrate life cycle events with special attention to each family’s unique needs.

Our members celebrate birth, b’nai mitzvah, weddings and other unique moments in life using traditional Jewish rituals enhanced by contemporary innovations. When death comes, we provide the comfort and dignity of the Jewish way of burial and mourning: a time to mourn and a way to heal. Our congregation welcomes individuals and families who are interfaith, LGBTQ* and from all racial heritages.

Choosing Judaism

The Jewish community takes delight in welcoming those who choose to embrace Judaism as their own religion, and many of our congregants have taken this path, each with their own unique and remarkable story. If you are thinking of exploring conversion, start by making an appointment with our rabbi.

The rabbi will not only discuss the process and implications of becoming a Jew, but he will also explore with you your reasons for wanting to do so. We also encourage you to participate in our services and other events, online or in person, as circumstances allow. More information is available here.

Baby Naming/Brit Milah

Judaism is “covenantal,” establishing a relationship between a newborn child and the people of Israel soon after birth. In Reform Judaism, as practiced at Temple Shalom, there are a number of ways of establishing this covenant for both boys and girls, including baby namings, Brit Shalom and Brit Milah (circumcision).

Most Reform Jewish families choose to circumcise according to Jewish tradition. Brit milah normally takes place 8 days after birth or as soon as is possible. Arrangements for a bris may be made with a doctor who will conduct the circumcision in accordance with Jewish tradition. Contact the temple to arrange for our clergy to officiate or for our space to be used.

Reform Judaism recognizes any child with one Jewish parent (either mother or father) as Jewish; Jewish identity is a matter of parental decision, and can be discussed further with our rabbi.

B’nai Mitzvah

Training for children planning a Bar or Bat Mitzvah in 2025 will begin on September 12th at Temple Shalom at 7:00 p.m. Please contact the Temple for further information and to register. Adults who are interested in B’nai Mitzvah may also register interest with the Temple. A meeting will be held after the High Holidays.

Registration/Contract Forms

• B’nai Mitzvah Contract – Members
• B’nai Mitzvah Contract – New Members
• B’nai Mitzvah Contract – Non Members

Funerals

Funerals may be held at Temple Shalom, at Chapel Lawn, at the Chesed Shel Emes or at the graveside. There are several people able to conduct a funeral service including Rabbi Allan Finkel. Funerals can be livestreamed at the request of the family.

Meals of condolence can be held at the Temple, at Chapel Lawn or at a mourner’s home. We can assist in making arrangements for catering.

Mourning

How does one respond to the loss of a loved one?  There are as many ways to grieve as there are members of the human family.  

Some will weep incessantly; others will not weep at all. 

Some will insist on a full seven days of shiva; others will observe three days, just one day – or none at all. 

Some will seek privacy; others will find comfort in the company of fellow-mourners and friends.  

Some will talk, tell stories, or share cellphone photos unceasingly; others will listen or speak sparingly, with their cellphones out of sight.  

Some will follow the prayers and blessings of a shiva minyan with fervour; others will sit or stand quietly and respectfully, with or without a siddur in their hands.  

Some visitors will remain with mourning family members for a few minutes; others will make an evening of it – and every evening of it. And some, for reasons too complex to pursue, will not visit at all. 

Templates for mourning?   There are none.  Each in our own way will experience grief and carry in us the soul of our deceased loved ones, thankful for their having been a part of our lives.