Birth
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Who is the First Born?
Often, there are situations that are applicable only to the first born male of the family (various fasts, etc). Am I correct in understanding that these rules are applicable to the first born in the family, if the first born…
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Intermarriage, Conversion, and Circumsicion
My partner and I have been seeing each other for two and a half years now, and have recently been talking about marriage. I am Jewish (as are both of my parents), but he has no particular faith (although he…
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Father’s Role in the Delivery of a Child
What is the role of the father at the delivery of his child? It seems that, historically, the father (or any male for that matter) had very little to do in the delivery of a child, and was most likely…
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Greater Significance of the Sandek
What is the role of the sandek at the bris milah beyond just holding the baby? What spiritual role does he play? Does the honor give him the ability to bestow Blessings? The honor of being sandek places the person…
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Shalom Zachor and Celebrating a Girl’s Birth
Is there any similar ceremony to a Shalom Zachor [customary celebration for the birth of a boy on the Friday night after birth] for the birth of a baby girl? A shalom zachor, by definition, is a party to welcome…
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Timing the Circumcision
I know by the law it says, we should circumcise on the 8th day, but is it Kosher to do it on a day later than the 8th? The child is healthy, but I’d like to perform the circumcision 2…