A Week of Sacred Moments

By Rabbi Stephanie Kennedy

July 1, 2025 • 5 Tammuz 5785

This past week, I was reminded just how rich, expansive, and evolving our Jewish tradition is. My day began at a brit milah (circumcision/baby boy welcoming), continued with a session I led on baby-welcoming rituals in partnership with the Jewish Baby Network, and ended with a baby naming ceremony for a Jewish girl that I had the joy of officiating. As the Family Learning Director at Jewish Gateways, I want to share these moments because they reflect one of the most meaningful parts of my work. Supporting families through sacred lifecycle moments—brit milah, baby namings, and rituals of blessing and transition—is at the heart of what we do.

A few days later, my 5-year-old daughter took part in a beautiful, lesser-known custom. She joined friends to say the Shema with a baby boy the night before his brit milah. This tradition centers children as spiritual guides. The simple, wholehearted prayers of children are believed to bring blessing and protection as the baby prepares to enter Jewish life.

While this practice isn’t common in most progressive circles today, there is something profound here for all of us. It reminds us that children aren’t just inheritors of tradition, they are its stewards. When we make space for them not just to witness, but to lead, to bless, to show up with love and intention, we strengthen the sacred web that connects us across generations.

Wishing you a week of connection, meaning, and moments when the voices of our youngest stewards inspire and guide us all.