The New Jewish Baby Book: Names, Ceremonies and Customs: A Guide for Today's Families [Paperback]

While most of the conversation preceding the birth of a baby these days is focused on such physical things as diets and breathing exercises, the almost universal reaction by, and concern of, parents themselves is a sense of wonderment and awe. In this sometimes very parochial book, the author addresses the human need to plan for the spiritual aspects of childbirth. Diamant offers precise guidelines for celebrating initial and fundamental rites of passage. She devotes much space to Jewish names, both biblical and cultural in origin, and explains the religious traditions and/or significance involved in each. Of even greater import to Diamant, however, is the ceremony of the circumcision. Contrary to a belief widely held in recent times, she stresses, circumcision has no basis in health practices. It is, rather, a sanctification of the ancient convenant God made with Abraham. As a reflection of our ceremonies for girls, adoption and interfaith families.
Copyright 1994 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Diamant's pioneering The Jewish Baby Book (Summit Bks., 1988. o.p.) was a highly practical guide for liberal Jewish parents-to-be and new parents. It concerned choosing traditional and modern Jewish names; ceremonies and celebrations, including birth announcements and the Brit Milah (convenant of circumcision); the issues of infertility and genetic testing; adoption; and recommendations for celebrating the baby's first year in a meaningfully Jewish way. Diamant has now revised and expanded that excellent book to include handouts to copy for ceremonies, a special section for interfaith families, and new ceremonies for girls. Still the only book in its field, this is highly recommended for all libraries serving Jewish patrons.
- Marcia Welsh, Guilford Free Lib., Ct.
Copyright 1994 Reed Business Information, Inc.

This lovely book focuses on liberal (Conservative, Reconstructionist, and Reform) Jewish practices regarding naming a Jewish child, brit milah (covenant of circumcision for a son), brit bat (celebration of the birth of a daughter), and other aspects of having a Jewish child, such as adoption and genetic testing. With contributions from many female rabbis (as well as doctors, Jewish organizations, and male rabbis), this revision of The Jewish Baby Book (1988) provides a contemporary look at ways in which parents can "celebrate their child's and family's connection to Judaism and the Jewish people." The author, who has written other books on Judaism, is careful to caution readers about contemporary practices that do not meet traditional standards.

She is also fair as she explains differing views regarding controversial contemporary practices such as baby showers and naming a child after a living relative. She does a wonderful job of explaining aspects of traditional Jewish law, providing meaningful suggestions that can make traditional practices more relevant to contemporary situations (especially when non-Jewish relatives are involved).

Also included here are lists of Jewish names for boys and girls with their meanings, the texts of prayers, sample birth announcements, and even the text of a brochure for non-Jews explaining the ceremonies of brit milah and brit bat. Notes for each chapter provide the reader with excellent contemporary resources in which further information can be found.

The index and short glossary that conclude the book allow it to be used as a reference resource, but most readers will prefer to use it as a handy home reference. Recommended for all public libraries, it will be equally at home on the reference shelves and in circulating collections.

A complete guide to the customs and rituals for welcoming a new child to the world and into the Jewish community, and for commemorating the joyous event in family life whatever your family constellation. The only book of its kind. Expanded, completely updated and revised.
Includes:
Ceremonies to copy for handouts.
Special section for interfaith families helps make the celebrations inclusive and joyous for all.
New ceremonies for girls, as well as for boys.

Anita Diamant is a prize-winning journalist and essayist whose columns and articles have appeared in the Boston Globe Magazine, Parenting, Parents, and other national publications. She is also the author of The New Jewish Wedding. She lives in Boston.