Birth
The joy of a birth is celebrated within the Fabrangen community. Often, parents decide to bring the child to services and have a special Aliyah (calling up to the Torah), in which the name of the baby is announced. Sometimes, parents also explain the choice of the baby’s name(s), especially if the names memorialize family members. If you have questions or want support, contact the coordinator at coordinator@fabrangen.com.
Bar/Bat Mitzvah
A Bar or Bat mitzvah at Fabrangen is part of a regular Fabrangen service in which the Bar or Bat mitzvah child participates. Each family can generally select the date for their child’s B’nai Mitzvah and structure a service that is appropriate for each child. Many members assist the family in locating tutors, dealing with logistics, and helping plan this special day.
Fabrangen expects families planning to have a Bar or Bat Mitzvah to attend services for a period of time prior to the event and for the child to become familiar with the service. We do not make Fabrangen available to host a Bar or Bat mitzvah when that service is the only contact that the child or family has with the community.
Non-Jewish parents may participate in the B’nai Mitzvah of their child. Fabrangen has developed a special blessing for a non-Jewish parent to recite in lieu of the traditional blessing when called to the Torah for an Aliyah.
Aufruf and Wedding
When a wedding occurs, a couple may choose to have a special honor on a Shabbat at Fabrangen. Traditionally, this is called an Aufruf. Jews who are getting married are called to the Torah for an Aliyah (special honor at the Torah) for such a special occasion. Some Fabrangen couples have, along with their families, sponsored a festive lunch to further celebrate the couple’s marriage. For more information, contact the Fabrangen coordinator at coordinator@fabrangen.com.
Death and Mourning
Over the years, Fabrangen has developed a number of practices to educate and support members and their families and friends before and when a death occurs. For further information, visit
