Life Cycle Events Celebrated at Newcastle Reform Synagogue

Brit Milot/Baby Blessings
The ceremony of Brit Milah (circumcision) is carried out on baby boys on the 8th day after birth. The Synagogue arranges the ceremony which is conducted by a mohel (person experienced in carrying out the circumcision) in the home. A Jewish name is given to the baby during the ceremony.

Baby blessings (for girls this can incorporate a naming ceremony as well) are normally held during a Shabbat morning service prior to the first birthday.

Bar and Bat Mitzvah
At the age of 13, most Jewish children become Bar (for boys) or Bat (for girls) Mitzvah. This is a coming of age ceremony which follows an intensive 12 month study period supervised by the Rabbi or elders of the community and resulting in the celebrant reading a set portion in Hebrew from the Torah as well as other parts of the Shabbat morning service. The parents and child are expected to attend Synagogue services regularly for 12 months prior to becoming Bar or Bat Mitzvah to encourage fluency and familiarisation.

Chuppot
Chuppot (religious weddings) are arranged with the Rabbi and the Synagogue's own accredited Secretary for Marriages (Mr George Loble). The beautiful ceremony takes place under a chuppah (wedding canopy).

Bereavement
The congregation has its own dedicated section of a municipal facility at Preston Cemetery, North Shields including a purpose-built Prayer House. Burial is offered exclusively for members of the NRS.

A Jewish funeral takes place as quickly as possible, usually within 24 hours after death. Traditionally, the funeral arrangements are as simple as possible and flowers are not sent. Prayers are recited both at the grave side as well as later, usually at the home of the deceased or their family. Reform Judaism does permit cremation if this is specifically requested although burial is traditional and preferred. A stone setting dedication ceremony is usually held within 12 months of burial where the matsevah (head stone) is unveiled.

The Synagogue runs a self-administered Burial Insurance Scheme for members for which an annual premium is charged. The aim is to provide members joining the scheme with a sum payable on death, which is roughly equivalent to the cost of a funeral (but not the head stone). New members joining NRS at age 50 years and over (or after death for the purpose of burial) will also be required to meet a larger first premium charge in lieu of prior years' premiums. Upon joining, continued membership of the scheme depends upon regular and timely payment of an annual premium. As the scheme is self-administered by NRS it is not transferable.

Members who do not join the scheme may still be buried in the Synagogue's cemetery, with the total costs being payable in full by their Estate.