Lifecycle Events

Lifecycle celebrations and ceremonies are occasions throughout life to be together. From birth to death, our life experiences are enriched as we prepare for and gather as a community. 

You can host most of your lifecycle events at Temple Israel in one of our beautiful indoor or outdoor spaces or a location that makes the most sense for your gathering. If you're interested in finding out more about space rental, visit www.ti-stl.org/Facilities. 

Birthdays
If you or your loved one is having a special birthday, the Rabbis would be very happy to give you a birthday blessing during an upcoming Shabbat service. Contact Martina Stern at mstern@ti-stl.org or 314-432-8050 to request a blessing. Tribute donations are also great ways to honor the special birthdays of loved ones; click here to make a tribute donation that will be published in our Dateline.

B'nai Mitzvah
B'nai Mitzvah is a pivotal lifecycle moment for children who are approaching their 13th birthday. Membership at TI is required for anyone who wishes to become a B'nai Mitzvah at TI with our Rabbis.  It’s never too late to become B'nai Mitzvah; Jewish adults can also reach out to the Rabbis if they never had the opportunity as children to do so. To discuss a B'nai Mitzvah, contact the Rabbis or visit www.ti-stl.org/Mitzvah.

Confirmation
Confirmation is for dedicated teenagers who have continued their Jewish education beyond B'nai Mitzvah and into their sophomore year of high school. This year of intense learning culminates in a Shabbat service around Shavuot and is led by the Confirmation class. Contact the Rabbis to find out more.

Conversion
Converting to Judaism is a process that requires dedication and commitment to learning, participating actively in the life of the Jewish community, and engaging in synagogue life. While the journeys of all gerim (converts) are different, we've created a guide to conversion that lays out the basic goals and requirements for converting to Judaism at Congregation Temple Israel. Download the guide at www.ti-stl.org/Conversion or contact the Rabbis to express interest.

Counseling
The Rabbis meet with individuals, couples, and families for counseling regarding lifecycle events, as well as other pastoral needs. Some examples of lifecycle needs requiring counseling are marriage, infertility, divorce, grief, life transitions, and family conflict. These meetings are entirely confidential. For those looking for more intensive counseling, the Rabbis have excellent recommendations within the community for group and individual support. Contact the Rabbis to find out more.

Funerals and Memorial Services
In the event of a death or imminent death, please contact the Rabbis as soon as possible for assistance with arrangements for funerals or memorial services. There is no cost to TI members for these services, though it's customary to make a donation to the Rabbis Discretionary Fund.  Only members are permitted to have funerals or memorial services on site at TI. 

View our step-by-step guide to help you navigate what to do when a loved one is close to dying or has just passed away: www.ti-stl.org/Bereavement  

Hebrew Namings, Brit Milah/Bris, and Simchat Bat 
Hebrew namings can take place during a Friday evening Shabbat service, or a more private experience can be held in the home, at TI, or an alternate location. Hebrew namings on a Friday night happen within the context of the Shabbat service and include a blessing on the bimah as well as an opportunity for parents to talk about the child’s name. Private experiences include a personalized service composed and led by the Rabbis and can include any number of participants and additional rituals. For those who wish to incorporate a Bris Milah (ritual circumcision) into the naming ceremony, this must include a mohel or physician and would be done in private. Contact the Rabbis for more information.

Marriage
The Rabbis officiate at Jewish and interfaith weddings, though they do not co-officiate with non-Jewish clergy. They design each wedding ceremony together with the couple so that they feel intimate, warm, and personalized. Weddings can take place throughout the year, but please confirm your date and location with the Rabbis prior to beginning this process. Contact the Rabbis for more information.

Pastoral Visits
In the event that you or a loved one is hospitalized or is in need of a personal visit at home, please contact the Rabbis. They are available for prayer, counsel, or simply to be present during challenging times. Contact the Rabbis to schedule a visit.

Special Anniversaries
Families wishing to celebrate significant wedding anniversaries should contact one of the Rabbis. This celebration can take place in the synagogue or other locations. Tribute donations are also great ways to honor the anniversaries of loved ones; click here to make a tribute donation that will be published in our quarterly Dateline bulletin.

Stone Dedications or Unveilings 
Approximately one year after a death, there is a ceremony at the graveside to unveil the headstone to mark the first yahrzeit. Please contact the Rabbis to officiate these brief but meaningful services. Contact the Rabbis for further information.

Yahrzeits
You can honor the anniversary of a loved one’s passing by requesting their name be read before the Mourner’s Kaddish during Friday evening Shabbat services, or alternatively, you can establish a permanent yahrzeit reminder called a Perpetual Memorial where your loved one’s name will be read at services annually without prompt. 

To request a name be read at services, visit: https://www.ti-stl.org/yahrzeitrequest For more information on establishing a Perpetual Memorial, visit: www.ti-stl.org/PerpetualMemorials   

We're here for life! Have questions not addressed above? Reach out to Martina Stern, Executive Director, at mstern@ti-stl.org or 314-432-8050.