A Beautiful First Birthday Party & Baby Naming Ceremony for Kinsley

This past weekend, I had the privilege of officiating a deeply meaningful Jewish baby naming ceremony for a bright and beautiful one-year-old named Kinsley. What made this celebration even more special was that it took place during her first birthday party, surrounded by friends and family, many of whom were not Jewish. It was a perfect example of how Jewish rituals can be shared with love and inclusivity across cultures.

Cantor Rebecca Gladstone and Kinsley at her First Birthday Party and Baby Naming

What Is a Jewish Baby Naming Ceremony?

In Jewish tradition, a baby naming is a sacred moment when a child receives their Hebrew name and is formally welcomed into the Jewish community. This name isn’t chosen at random, it carries deep spiritual and ancestral meaning. The Hebrew language itself teaches that “your name is the key to your soul.” In fact, the Hebrew word for soul, neshamah, shares its root letters with shem, the word for “name.”

Parents often choose Hebrew names that honor relatives who have passed, passing along their memory, essence, and values to the next generation.

Cantor Rebecca Gladstone leading Kinsley’s baby naming ceremony with photos of her great great grandmother Sylvia whom she was named after.

When Should a Baby Naming Ceremony Take Place?

One of the most common questions I receive as a Jewish lifecycle officiant is: When should we have a baby naming ceremony for our daughter?

The answer is: whenever feels right for your family.

Unlike the brit milah (ritual circumcision for boys), which is traditionally held on the 8th day after birth, there is no fixed time in Jewish law for when a baby girl must receive her Hebrew name. Traditionally, some families choose to hold the ceremony within the first few weeks or months after birth, often during a synagogue service or family gathering. But increasingly, families are choosing more meaningful moments in their child’s life—like her first birthday—to hold the ceremony.

This was the case for Kinsley. Her parents chose to pair her naming with her birthday celebration, making it a joyful, inclusive, and memorable milestone. It allowed the family to bring loved ones together, many of whom were unfamiliar with Jewish rituals, and to introduce Kinsley to her heritage in a warm and celebratory environment.

This flexibility is one of the beautiful things about modern Jewish practice: it can grow with your family, adapting to your values, schedule, and needs while still honoring ancient tradition.

Kinsley received the Hebrew name Shayna Sarah—a combination of Yiddish and Hebrew that means “beautiful princess.” The name belonged to her great-great-grandmother, a woman known for her creativity, love of music, and dedication to family.

As part of the ceremony, we shared stories about Ma Sylvie: her love for the arts, her vibrant spirit, and her devotion to tradition. It was touching to witness how her memory was brought to life in the present moment, especially as we saw glimpses of her in Kinsley—her joy, musicality, and even her fascination with flowers!

Kinsley enjoying her birthday cake!

Honoring Heritage with Inclusivity

What stood out most to me about this naming ceremony was how it seamlessly blended Jewish tradition into a setting where most guests were unfamiliar with the customs. This was a truly interfaith-friendly and inclusive Jewish celebration, made possible by parents who embraced their daughter’s heritage with openness and intention.

Kinsley is a patrilineal Jew. Her Mother, Jess, who is not Jewish herself, has fully welcomed Jewish traditions into her family's life, while still keeping up with and celebrating her own traditions. Seeing a room full of people learning about the significance of Hebrew names, joining in singing the Shehecheyanu blessing, and witnessing the priestly blessing was a moment I won’t soon forget.

Music, Blessings, and a Joyful Start

As a Cantor and Jewish lifecycle officiant, I incorporate meaningful music into all my ceremonies. We sang the Shehecheyanu, expressing gratitude for reaching this moment, and recited the Birkat Kohanim (priestly blessing), offering Kinsley love, peace, and protection for her journey ahead.

With joy and pride, we announced her name:
Shayna Sarah bat Jessica v’Yosef Zelig

We presented her with a personalized naming certificate, marking this special day in her family’s story.

Kinsley celebrating her first birthday and baby naming on her dad’s shoulders with all of her guests.

Why This Ceremony Was So Unique

This baby naming ceremony wasn’t held in a synagogue or formal Jewish setting. It was hosted in a home, at a birthday party, with cake, laughter, and balloons. It was a very short ceremony, only 15 minutes long, and yet it was deeply spiritual, respectful, and heartfelt. These are the kinds of moments I specialize in—bringing Jewish rituals to life in ways that are authentic, accessible, and full of joy.

Whether you're raising your children in a multifaith family, planning a Jewish baby naming, or simply curious about how to incorporate Jewish tradition into a modern celebration, know that it can be done beautifully and meaningfully—anywhere.

Kinsley wrapped in her father’s Tallit that was presented to him at his Bar Mitzvah by his Great Grandma, whom Kinsley was named after, during the Priestly blessing (Y’varech’cha).

Are You Planning a Jewish Baby Naming Ceremony?

If you're interested in creating a personalized, musical, and inclusive baby naming ceremony for your child, I’d be honored to help. I work with families of all backgrounds to craft ceremonies that feel deeply authentic and memorable.