LIFE CYCLE EVENTS

Figure 1-14.—Jewish order of worship. in the unit mess. It may also be possible for Jewish personnel to apply for separate rations. For strict Kosher observance, the National Jewish Welfare Board provides canned kosher foods. These tamed foods are intended as supplements to the diet of Jewish service members observing Kosher who have no households of their own. A full brochure, Kashrut Observance in the Military Establishment, is available from the Jewish Welfare Board (JWB), 1515 East 26th Street, New York, NY 10010. LIFE CYCLE EVENTS There are a number of life cycle events in Jewish life in which service members may require the services of a rabbi. When a Jewish chaplain is not available, you should help Jewish service members to make every effort to secure the services of the nearest rabbi. Birth, Youth, and Confirmation Rites Some of the life cycle events of Jewish service families may include the following rituals: � Birth of a boy. According to Jewish law, a boy should be circumcised on the eighth day after birth. The Jewish lay reader or the chaplain should arrange to have the mohel, a specialist for this operation, perform the circumcision. When it is impossible to secure a mohel, a Jewish physician can perform the circumcision while a knowledgeable Jewish layman reads the appropriate blessings. � Birth of a girl. When a daughter is born it is often customary for the father to go to the synagogue to have her given a Hebrew name and receive a blessing upon this important occasion. � Bar Mitzvah. On his 13th birthday, a Jewish boy celebrates his Bar Mitzvah—his coming of age as a member of the congregation. � Bat Mitzvah. On her 13th birthday, a Jewish girl celebrates her Bat Mitzvah. The Bat Mitzvah is the equivalent of the Jewish boy’s Bar Mitzvah. � Shevuoth. In their 15th or 16th year, Jewish boys and girls participate in a Confirmation ceremony held in the synagogue at the Shevuoth festival in June. Other major life cycle events include weddings and funerals. We will look at both of these events in the following sections. 1-32