Baby Naming &
Jewish Hebrew Naming Ceremonies
Welcoming Your Little One with Love, Tradition,
and Personal Meaning
There’s nothing quite like the joy of welcoming a new baby into the world, and into the Jewish community. At The Neshamah Institute, Rabbi Amy brings over 25 years of experience creating beautiful, meaningful baby naming ceremonies that honor both ancient tradition and your family’s unique story.
What Makes Neshamah Baby Namings Special
A Ceremony as Special as Your Child
Every baby is different, and every family has their own hopes, dreams, and values they want to share. Rabbi Amy takes the time to get to know you and your growing family, crafting a ceremony that feels authentic to who you are while connecting your child to thousands of years of Jewish heritage.
Whether you’re looking for a traditional brit bat or simchat bat ceremony, a more contemporary celebration, or something that blends elements meaningful to your family, Rabbi Amy works closely with you to create exactly the right moment.
Personal Attention from Start to Finish
Rabbi Amy meets with families to hear about your baby’s name why you chose it, the family members or values it honors, and what you hope for your child’s future. She weaves these stories into the ceremony, making it deeply personal and memorable.
Experience with Families of All Backgrounds
Having worked with 950 families across South Florida, Rabbi Amy welcomes interfaith families, LGBTQ+ families, single parents, adoptive families, and everyone in between. No matter your background or level of Jewish observance, you’ll find warmth, openness, and acceptance.
Great with Kids (and Everyone Else!)
As a mother, educator, and rabbi with decades of experience, Rabbi Amy has a special gift for making children feel comfortable and included – whether that’s your older kids participating in the ceremony or the littlest guests in attendance. She creates an atmosphere that’s both sacred and joyful.
Flexible Locations
Host your ceremony in your home, at a meaningful location, or at Neshamah’s synagogue building.
The Meaning Behind the Hebrew Name
Rabbi Amy helps you understand the significance of your baby’s Hebrew name, exploring its biblical or historical roots, its connection to loved ones, and its deeper meaning in Jewish tradition. Many families find this guidance invaluable in making final naming decisions or understanding the names they’ve chosen.
Book a free consultation with Rabbi Amy to discuss options for your family’s celebration.
Meet Rabbi Amy Rader
Experience That Matters
Rabbi Amy Rader has been officiating at baby namings throughout South Florida since her ordination from The Jewish Theological Seminary in 1999. Over more than 25 years, she has officiated hundreds of ceremonies, from intimate backyard services to elegant ballroom celebrations, from traditional Jewish brit bat to welcoming ceremonies that honor all family traditions.
A Gifted Teacher & Storyteller
Rabbi Amy’s gift is making ancient wisdom accessible and relevant. Her ability to weave personal stories with timeless Jewish teachings creates ceremonies that move hearts and inspire souls. She explains each ritual’s meaning in ways that resonate with everyone present, whether they grew up steeped in Jewish tradition or are experiencing their first Jewish ceremony.
Dedicated to Your Vision
Rabbi Amy founded Neshamah on the belief that Jewish life should be personal, meaningful, and spiritually authentic. She brings this same philosophy to every baby naming at which she officiates, taking the time to truly know the family and creating ceremonies that feel genuine, joyful, and deeply significant.
Frequently Asked Questions
A baby naming ceremony is a beautiful celebration where your child receives their Hebrew name and is welcomed into the Jewish community. Through blessings, prayers, and meaningful words, we honor your baby’s arrival and the significance of their name. This ceremony can be held for both boys and girls, creating a sacred moment to introduce your little one to family, friends, and Jewish tradition.
You have flexibility in choosing the timing! Some families hold the ceremony on the eighth day (paralleling a brit), while others choose the 15th or 30th day, or simply when it feels right for your family. We’ll work together to find a date that allows you to celebrate comfortably and gather your loved ones. There’s no single “correct” timing—what matters most is that the ceremony feels meaningful for you.
Some families choose a baby naming ceremony (Brit Shalom) for their sons as an alternative to traditional brit milah. This allows you to welcome your son into the covenant through celebration, blessings, and community, without circumcision. The ceremony is meaningful and spiritually significant, honoring your child’s place in Jewish tradition in a way that aligns with your family’s values.
Your baby naming can take place wherever feels most comfortable and meaningful to you: your home, a grandparent’s home, a beautiful outdoor location, Neshamah’s synagogue space, or even virtually. Many families love the intimacy of celebrating at home, where their child will grow up learning about Judaism. We’ll help you create a sacred space wherever you choose to gather.
No! The Neshamah Institute welcomes all families, regardless of synagogue affiliation. Our open-access model means you can celebrate your baby naming with us whether you’re deeply connected to Jewish community life or just beginning your Jewish journey. What matters is your desire to give your child a Hebrew name and mark this milestone.
Choosing a name is deeply personal. Many families name after beloved relatives who have passed away (Ashkenazi tradition) or living relatives (Sephardic tradition). Others choose names based on meaning, biblical significance, or the week’s Torah portion. We’ll discuss your family’s story, the qualities you hope to nurture in your child, and any names you’re considering. Rabbi Amy will guide you through the process with knowledge and care, helping you select a name that resonates.
You can honor both! When families blend traditions, we can incorporate elements from each background or choose the custom that feels most meaningful. The name itself can honor multiple family members or traditions. This is your ceremony, and we’ll make it authentically yours.
Yes! Baby namings at The Neshamah Institute are inclusive celebrations. We warmly welcome interfaith families and create ceremonies that honor your entire family. Non-Jewish grandparents, relatives, and friends can participate in meaningful ways such as offering blessings, sharing hopes for the baby, or holding the child during special moments.
The ceremony typically includes welcoming blessings, the announcement of your baby’s Hebrew name with an explanation of its significance, prayers for your child’s future, the priestly blessing (Birkat Kohanim), and opportunities for family and friends to offer their own blessings. We’ll also incorporate any personal touches you’d like such as poems, readings, songs, or special rituals. The ceremony usually lasts 20-30 minutes.
Absolutely! Your baby naming should reflect your family’s personality and values. We can incorporate meaningful readings, family traditions, music, cultural elements, or any special touches that make the ceremony uniquely yours. During our planning conversations, Rabbi Amy will help you craft a celebration that feels authentic and memorable.
This is entirely your choice. Some families love the tradition of revealing the name during the ceremony, creating a special moment of announcement. Others prefer to share it beforehand. There’s no religious requirement either way, so do what feels right for you.
Many families feel uncertain about Hebrew names, especially if they’re not familiar with Jewish tradition. That’s completely normal, and Rabbi Amy is here to help! You’ll explore options together, discuss meanings and family connections, and find a name that feels just right. You don’t need to be a Hebrew expert – just open to the process.
Yes! Including siblings makes the ceremony even more special. Big brothers and sisters can hold the baby during blessings, share what they’re excited about, or offer their own wishes for their new sibling. We’ll find age-appropriate ways to involve them.
Guests will witness a meaningful, joyful celebration welcoming your baby into Jewish tradition. The ceremony is warm, accessible, and easy to follow, even for those unfamiliar with Jewish customs. Afterwards, families typically host a celebration with food and drinks. It’s a wonderful opportunity for community, connection, and joy.
Yes! Following the ceremony, you’ll receive a beautiful certificate with your child’s Hebrew name, parentage (in traditional format: [Name] bat/ben [Parent Names]), and the date of the ceremony. This becomes a meaningful keepsake documenting this milestone in your child’s life.
Simply reach out to schedule a Complimentary Consultation! We’ll discuss your family, your hopes for the ceremony, timing, location, and any questions you have. From there, we’ll work together to create a celebration that welcomes your precious child with love, meaning, and joy.
Please contact us to discuss the ceremonial fee and our flexible approach to costs. The Neshamah Institute operates on a model that ensures Jewish lifecycle celebrations are accessible to all families.
