Newborn Ceremonies Quiz

The birth of a child is a momentous occasion for any family. How much do you know about Jewish ceremonies for new baby boys and girls?

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Question 1. When is the Pidyon HaBen ceremony NOT performed?
 For a first-born son who was delivered by cesarean section
 For a first-born son born to a mother who has miscarried in the past
 For a first-born son delivered in a natural birth
 A & B
 A & C

 

Question 2. What is the tradition of welcoming baby girls into the community called in some Sephardic communities?
 Zeved Habat
 Avi Habit
 Pizmonim
 Las Fadas

 

Question 3. What is the practice of circumcising baby boys called in Hebrew?
 Brit Banot
 Brit Milah
 Simhat Bat
 Aufruf

 

Question 4. When is the ceremony of hatafat dam brit performed?
 The day after a baby is born
 The day before a boy’s Bar Mitzvah
 For an adult male convert prior to conversion
 The day before a man’s wedding

 

Question 5. Which of these traditional Jewish names for boys is NOT biblical?
 Jacob
 Joseph
 Aaron
 Akiva

 

Question 6. What is the purpose of a welcoming ceremony for a new baby?
 To initiate a lifetime of marking significant events in the context of tradition and community functions
 To link us to the Jewish past and commit us to a Jewish future
 To represent the fulfillment of mitzvot--commandments or obligations--that require such ceremonies
 All of the above

 

Question 7. What does the Hebrew word brit mean?
 Daughter
 Birth
 Covenant
 Celebration

 

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