Life Cycle Events

The CTI community welcomes new lives through birth, celebrates marriage, confronts illness and loss. We do these things together, instilling a cherished sense of family. Rabbi Irwin and Cantor Gustavo can help you navigate these events, offering guidance and support so they are as meaningful as possible. In some instances, we strive to support plans and increase joy. At other times, our goal is to ease trauma and provide comfort. Our clergy officiate -- and are always able to assist -- at life-cycle events, including:

Baby Naming/Brit

CTI is honored to welcome your child into our community. Girls are embraced, and given their Hebrew names in a ceremony called Kabbalat Bat, Welcoming a Daughter. Brit Milah is the tradition that calls for circumcision of boys on the eighth day of life in a ritual called the Covenant of Circumcision. During this ceremony, boys are also given their Hebrew names. Our clergy are available to meet before or after your child's birth to discuss details of the appropriate ritual, which honors your family and connects us all in the chain of Jewish life. Read More 

B'nai Mitzvah (Bar/Bat Mitzvah)

According to tradition, a bar/bat mitzvah is held on the Shabbat immediately following the 13th anniversary of the child's Hebrew date of birth. B'nai Mitzvah is a life-cycle event, educational milestone and communal celebration. We take pride in the process that embraces the child and his/her parents and helps them travel the path from childhood to emerging adulthood.  Read More

Adult B'nai Mitzvah

It's never too late! If you've never had a bar mitzvah or want to celebrate life by renewing your Jewish spirit, our Rabbi Irwin and Cantor Gustavo will be happy to guide you through the process.

Weddings

Getting married can be both exciting and overwhelming. To ease the process and provide some answers, Rabbi Irwin and Cantor Gustavo are available to meet with you and talk about your future as a couple. We look forward to celebrating with you and welcome all couples who seek to connect with the Jewish community.  Read More​

A Time of Loss

End-of-life issues can often be daunting and the sense of loss overwhelming. In concert with area funeral homes, CTI provides resources and comfort. Rabbi Irwin and Cantor Gustavo are sources of strength and support, guiding you through some of the ritual options of a Jewish funeral. They are honored to officiate at funeral services and offer counseling. For details about cemetery benefits and for more information, call (516) 676-5080 or email office@ctionline.org