Life Cycle Events

Jewish life is enriched by the sacred rituals that mark the significant milestones in our lives - from birth to bar and bat mitzvah, wedding to anniversary, and end-of-life ceremonies. These traditions connect us to our ancestors and ensure the continuity of our people. By celebrating these moments with loved ones, we create lasting memories.

The Chabad of Kirkland Jewish fir life center, is dedicated to supporting you during both your happiest and most challenging times. We believe in coming together to share life's most important milestones. Whether you are looking to celebrate, observe, or have a ceremony officiated, the Synagouge and Jewish community center may be available for your life cycle event.

From the joy of birth to the sorrow of loss, Chabad is here to assist you every step of the way. Our community is committed to sharing in your celebrations and offering comfort during times of need. Our experienced staff and welcoming facility are at your disposal for all your life cycle events.

Curious to learn more about Jewish Life Cycles? Contact us today.

Celebrating the Birth of a Baby Girl: The birth of a daughter is a joyful and sacred milestone in Jewish tradition. At Chabad of Kirkland, we are here to help you celebrate all traditional events, including baby naming ceremonies, and to connect your family to your Jewish heritage.

Brit Milah & Baby Naming: We joyously celebrate the arrival of a newborn with a special ceremony that welcomes them into the covenant and bestows upon them a Hebrew name. For girls, the naming ceremony takes place during a Torah reading on Shabbat, Monday, Thursday, holidays, or Rosh Chodesh. For boys, the naming occurs during their Brit Milah.

A Brit Milah, also known as a bris, is a sacred ceremony that signifies a boy's initiation into the Jewish community through the ritual of circumcision on the eighth day of his life. our very own Rabbi Chaim S. Rivkin, known as the esteemed Mohel (ritual circumciser) in Washington State, is available to assist you with officiating the Bris, offering guidance on the ceremony, and performing the circumcision. The ceremony can take place either in the comfort of your home or at the synagogue.

During these meaningful ceremonies, parents affirm their family's commitment to the everlasting bond between G‑d and the Jewish people, as well as their dedication to passing on Jewish traditions to the next generation. We are here to collaborate with you in planning and creating a ceremony that seamlessly blends Jewish customs with your family's unique preferences.

Pidyon Haben / Redeeminig of the first born Son: A Pidyon Haben, also known as the redemption of the firstborn son, is a significant ceremony in Jewish tradition. It involves the father of a firstborn male redeeming his son by giving a Kohen, who is a priestly descendant of Aaron, five silver coins. This ceremony typically takes place thirty days after the baby's birth.

The redemption of the firstborn son is a sacred ritual that takes place on the child's 31st day of life. This ceremony is performed if neither parent is a Kohen or Levi in their family, and the birth was not through Cesarean section. A Kohen leads the ceremony, utilizing a cup of wine and five special coins. If the ceremony was not carried out during childhood, it can still be performed in adulthood.

Rabbi Chaim S. Rivkin, a Kohen priestly descendant, is available to officiate the Pidyon Haben for your firstborn son. To learn more about this meaningful tradition, please click here:

Boy: When a boy turns three, we celebrate a special milestone in his life - the Upsherin! This beautiful tradition, also known as the first haircut, holds great significance in the Jewish community.

During the Upsherin ceremony, the boy's hair, which has been left untouched until this point, is cut for the first time. This act symbolizes the boy's readiness to enter a new stage of education, learning, and growth. It is a momentous occasion as we witness the physical transformation of a child into a young student, eager to delve into the wisdom of Torah. Contact us to schedule your sons Upsherin.

Girl: When a young girl turns 3, she is entering the age of education and joining our matriarchs: Sara, Rebecca, Rachel, and Leah. These powerful womens, and her ancestors representing the long line of Jewish ladies who have lit Shabbat and holiday candles. Lighting the candles for the first time as a young girl is a special event, symbolizing her connection to her heritage and the beginning of her own journey in faith.  Contact us to schedule your daughters first lighting.

Bat Mitzvah: Welcome to the Bat Mitzvah Club at Chabad at Kirkland!

At the age of 12, a girl reaches spiritual maturity and enters the age of responsibility towards Torah and Mitzvos.

How can we make a Bat Mitzvah meaningful for an impressionable young adult? The Bat Mitzvah Club is specifically designed for girls from all backgrounds and affiliations to come together and celebrate this special milestone in their lives, creating memories and a foundation that will last a lifetime. Our club offers a warm and welcoming environment where girls can learn, grow, and connect with their Jewish heritage. We are excited to provide an amazing experience in preparing your daughter for her special day. More info about current or next session can be found via: JewishKirkland.com/BMC

As your Bat Mitzvah date approaches, we can schedule and officiate a ceremony for your occasion.

Bar Mitzvah:  Welcome to the Bar Mitzvah Club at Chabad of Kirkland!

At the age of 13, a Jewish boy reaches spiritual maturity and becomes Bar Mitzvah - entering the age of responsibility towards the Torah and Mitzvot.

How can we make this milestone truly meaningful and inspiring for a young man?
The Bar Mitzvah Club is designed for Jewish boys from all backgrounds and levels of observance to come together and prepare for this special time in their lives. Through engaging lessons, activities, and hands-on experiences, participants gain pride in their Jewish identity and a strong foundation for their journey ahead.

We offer a warm and welcoming environment where boys can learn, grow, and connect with their Jewish heritage â€" creating memories and lessons that last a lifetime.

As your son approaches his Bar Mitzvah, we recommend reaching out when he is around 12 years old so we can schedule a personalized assessment and tailor a lesson plan based on his level and needs.

We look forward to helping your son prepare for his special day with confidence, joy, and meaning and celebrate it together!

Jewish Wedding: Celebrate Your Sacred Union.

A Jewish wedding is not just a celebration - it is the holiest bond between two souls, joined together under the Chuppah according to the timeless traditions of the Torah. It marks the creation of a new Jewish home, built on love, faith, and commitment to Jewish life and values.

At Chabad of Kirkland, we are honored to guide couples through every step of this sacred journey – from premarital preparation and counseling to the personalized ceremony itself. Whether you’re planning a small, intimate gathering or a large wedding celebration, we’ll ensure your special day is meaningful, spiritual, and truly unforgettable.

Rabbi Rivkin will work with you to create a customized wedding ceremony that reflects your story, your values, and the beauty of Jewish tradition — complete with guidance on Ketubah (Jewish marriage contract), Chuppah, Sheva Brachot, and more.
We look forward to celebrating this sacred milestone with you — the beginning of your lifelong journey together as one soul, united in joy and holiness.

End of Life & Afterlife: Honoring Life with Dignity and Eternal Meaning 🕯️

Jewish tradition teaches that life is sacred – from its first breath until its final moment — and that the soul’s journey continues beyond this world. The moments surrounding a person’s passing are among the most profound in life, deserving care, dignity, and spiritual guidance.

At Chabad of Kirkland, we are here to support you and your family through every step of this deeply emotional time — providing comfort, clarity, and practical assistance in accordance with Jewish law and tradition.

We can help with:

• Guidance and support at every stage

• Jewish burial and funeral arrangements in coordination with the local Chevra Kadisha, or assistance in transferring to other cities or countries for burial

• Kaddish and memorial prayers (Yahrzeit & Yizkor)

• Yizkor Memorial Plaque dedications

• Unveiling ceremonies and memorial dedications

• Ongoing support for family members and loved ones

Each Jewish soul is precious and eternal. Ensuring a proper Jewish burial honors that sacred bond and brings lasting merit to the departed.

Or reach out directly for compassionate and confidential support.