Legend teaches that every blade of grass has an angel bending over it, whispering, “Grow, grow!” (Midrash Rabbah, Bereishit 10:6; Zohar, part I, 251a).

As we emerge into creation like seedlings, mature into saplings, age into trees, and then fall and return to the earth which birthed us, every one of us is accompanied throughout our life by God’s presence. At Shaaray Tefila, we mark the ages and stages of growth through Jewish tradition, honoring the wonder of our development, celebrating joyful moments, and grieving loss.

Our lifecycle ceremonies draw from ancient texts, binding us to earlier generations; they also evolve along with the ever changing landscape of our time. Some rituals are familiar. Brit Milah (bris) and baby namings celebrate the arrival of a child. Adolescents ascend our bima to mark becoming B’nei Mitzvah (learn more about becoming B’nei Mitzvah at Shaaray Tefila). We marry beloveds and bury those who have passed away. But some of us crave prayer and ritual at other significant moments in our lives – as we move into a new home, struggle with infertility, terminate a pregnancy, suffer a miscarriage, become an empty-nester, retire, divorce, celebrate milestone wedding anniversaries, and more. Our clergy are available to provide support during such moments and will explore ways to help you hear the voice of your angel, whispering encouragement as you grow.

For more on Jewish lifecycle customs & rituals, visit ReformJudaism.org »