Does a couple need a rabbi to perform a baby naming at the hospital or their home? The mother is Jewish and the father is not. They are also unmarried with no temple affiliation. Are there special prayers that should be read?

The baby is customarily named at the time of Torah reading; there is a short prayer giving the name and a prayer for the recovery of the mother from childbirth. No rabbi is necessary – anyone can act as messengers of the parents to give the name.

Mazal Tov!

Raphie Schochet