On Saturday, June 3, 2017, Temple Shalom members joined together with young families in the community for the second annual Blessing of the Babies. With guitar in hand, Ray Farris led the congregation in song and prayer. In honor of the children, the typical prayers and songs were mixed with childhood favorites: “There’s a Dinosaur Knocking at My Door” and “I Was on My Way to Shul One Day.”
After an informal morning of songs, prayer and Torah, it was time for the Blessing of the Babies. Rabbi Andrew Paley called up the families for the moment everyone had been waiting for! He explained the significance of the tallit and everyone gathered underneath for the special blessing. "Gathering our families together for a brief moment of blessing with their newborns and recently-borns is a sacred opportunity indeed. At Temple Shalom, we value the experiences of families coming together with their community sharing prayer, Torah, music, laughter and each other. What an honor it is for us to bring God's blessing to the newest members of our ever-growing Temple family!"
Cantor Devorah Avery was inspired to write an original song and blessing for the occasion.This song was a blessing for children and it incorporated the Priestly Benediction from our Torah as well. “It was a beautiful morning! Having the opportunity to give these families, especially their children, a blessing was an honor,” said Cantor Avery.
Watching the congregation sing and pray while small children danced throughout the aisles made everyone realize that Temple Shalom truly is the perfect place for fun, friendship and learning for all ages.