light of God.

אליאורה

That's the Hebrew for "Eliora," which is Lorelei's official new name for all things officially and ceremonially Jewish! It means "God's light" and is an amalgamation of her own name plus the names of two of her great-grandmothers: Ellen and Gloria.

This weekend, we celebrated Lorelei's birth by having her blessed in both of our religious traditions. On Friday night, Lorelei had her naming ceremony at Temple Beth Shalom, and on Sunday morning we had a special "dedication of a child" for her at First Congregational UCC. Below, you'll find pictures from Friday and Sunday interspersed with pieces of text from both ceremonies.

We dedicate our child to Torah – to a never-ending fascination with study and learning. With a book, she will never be alone.

We dedicate our child to huppah – to never-ending growth as a human being, capable of giving and receiving love.  With loving family and friends, she will never be alone.

We dedicate our child to maasim tovim – to a never-ending concern for family and community, justice and charity.  While she cares for others, she will never be alone.

(from the Eleanor Leff Jewish Women’s Resource Center)

May you live to see your world fulfilled,

May your destiny be for worlds still to come,

And may you trust in generations past and yet to be.

May your heart be filled with intuition

and your words be filled with insight.

May songs of praise ever be upon your tongue

and your vision be on a straight path before you.

May your eyes shine with the light of holy words

and your face reflect the brightness of the heavens.

May your lips speak wisdom

and your fulfillment be in righteousness

even as you ever yearn to hear the words

of the Holy Ancient One of Old. (Vitaher Libenu)

The Lord is my light and my salvation – whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life – of whom shall I be afraid? (Psalm 27:1)

Your word is a lamp unto my feet, a light for my path. (Psalm 119: 105)

You are the One who kindles my lamp; the Lord my God lights up my darkness. (Psalm 18:29)

Arise, shine, for your light has dawned, God’s radiance shines upon you! (Isaiah 60:1)

May the Lord continue to shine upon you and God’s brilliant presence surround you. (60:2)

Lift up your eyes all about you and behold: They have all gathered around you; your sons shall be brought from afar, your daughters like babes on your shoulders. (60:4)

May God be gracious to us and bless us. May God’s face shine upon us. (Psalm 67:2)

 

Light was the first of God’s creations; as light appeared, it brought with it the possibility of all the wondrous things to follow. We, too, kindle lights – of hope, of understanding, of celebration, of countless new possibilities. This little daughter with whom these parents have been blessed has already brought light into their lives. May God’s radiance continue to shine upon them. May she grow to be a source of light to all those around her. May her radiance illuminate the world. May the light of Torah and mitzvot be reflected in her shining deeds. And may she help bring the light of redemption to the world. Amen. (Cantor and Jacobs, “Brit Banot”)

To be a parent is to love and nurture, to lead a child to be a good person. To be a parent is to guide a child along the right path and to both teach and learn from all at the same time. To be a parent is to rein the child in or give her wings when it is appropriate. It is to laugh at her joy and weep at her pain. To be a parent is to walk beside a child and then, one day, to let her walk on her own. To be a parent is, perhaps, the greatest gift and the greatest responsibility you will ever have. (Judy Harris)

Lorelei, you are connected, loved, and blessed by the Creating God.

All of your senses are awakened to sense God around you.

Your heart is open to feel God's compassion for you and for others.

Your hands are empowered to reach out with love to the world.

Your feet are connected with the earth reminding you to ground yourself in God's love.

Lorelei, know that you have parents and family and family beyond family to watch over you. Know that you are deeply loved. Know that your presence brings overwhelming joy. May the God who created you watch over you and guide you all the days of your life. (Judy Harris)

Creator of Life and all That Is,

Thank you for the waiting and the joy,

For new life and for parenthood.

Thank you for the gift of Lorelei entrusted to our care.

Instill us with patience and understanding.

Make us ready to guide and forgive,

so that through our love for her Lorelei may know your love.

Help us to teach her to love your world

and the whole family of your children. Amen. (Judy Harris)

Welcome, Lorelei, to our hearts.

We recognize God’s face in your face.

Your parents love you, and we love you too.

We pray that you and your family are surrounded with love through the rest of your days.

We join your parents in celebrating your birth and your worth in this world.

We ask God to bless you with strength, courage, and wisdom as you grow in faith.

Welcome, Lorelei, welcome! (Judy Harris)

Eternal Spirit, Earth-maker, Pain-bearer, Life-giver, Source of all that is and shall be,

as a mother comforts her children, you strengthen, sustain, and provide for us;

as a father cares for his children, so you continually care for us.

Good and Gracious God, enfold this family with your love and grace.

May their home be a place of your presence, your forgiveness and your freedom.

May your will be done in them and through them today and every day.

May the faith communities that surround them be a source of strength and wisdom for them.

May we grow in your unconditional love for each other and for the world.

Amen.