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When a Girl is Born

Question

How is the birth of a girl celebrated?

Answer

An appropriate thing to do when a girl is born is a naming ceremony, corresponding to the fact that boys are named when they are circumcised.

Follow-up question

Question

You indicate that a ceremony of baby naming is appropriate. What would be the appropriate prayers or readings for that occasion?

Answer

You can find the appropriate prayer in most Jewish prayerbooks. Find the section on taking out the Torah on Sabbath. It will generally have the blessings on the Torah listed, following that it will have a series of prayers known in Hebrew as “Mi Sheberach.” You will find one for the person called to the Torah. One to be said for those who are ill. One to be said for women who have given birth. And finally one for naming a baby girl.