First line: As we light these candles, we welcome new light and hope into our hearts and our community. Last line: May the love and joy overflowing from our hearts help you grow into a light that helps brighten the world. Amen…

The Shehecheyanu is a great generic catch all prayer that’s basically saying, “Wow! We are really happy we got to this moment!” Like for example, after we have been working our asses off for months, when the new release of the JewBelong website goes live and doesn’t crash with all the high-fiving, we will say the Shehecheyanu.

First line: Baruch atah Adonai, Eloheinu melech ha-olam, shehecheyanu v’key’manu v’higiyanu lazman hazeh. Amen. Last line: Praised are You, Spirit of the Universe, who keeps us alive, sustains us, and brings us to this moment. Amen…

This blessing is traditionally made over a challah, a sweet braided bread. If you don’t have a challah, use different bread, or even a cracker or pizza crust. Making the blessing is more important than the actual bread.

First line: Baruch atah Adonai, Eloheinu melech ha-olam, hamotzi lechem min ha-aretz. Amen. Last line: Blessed are You, God, Spirit of the Universe, who brings forth bread from the earth. Amen…

The blessing recited over wine or grape juice. Some families just do the first line (up to “Amen”) and others do the full blessing. As always, do whatever feels right to you!

First line: Baruch atah Adonai, Eloheinu melech ha-olam, borei p’ree hagafen. Amen. Last line: Blessed are You, God, Spirit of the Universe, who creates the fruit of the vine. Amen…

This is one of those readings that is somewhat traditional but so beautiful and even dramatic. It is what so much of what Judaism is about… the connection to a long and important tradition. In a world where so much is fleeting, it is grounding to belong to this community.

First line: We believe that the miracle of her birth is of great importance to the community of the Jewish people, for Judaism’s future rests on the firm foundation of both its men and women. Last line: May her parents rear their daughter with love. Amen…