Life Cycle

We refer to some events in life as rites of passage. These are unique moments of transition in which we journey from one reality to another. For millennia we have used the term milestone to describe these moments; not merely stones marking distances between linear points of a journey, but times and events in our lives that mark turning points in our awareness and responsibilities. Lifted out of the daily and mundane, these holy moments provide special opportunities for reflection, growth as well as personal, familial and communal connectedness.

At VOS, your caring clergy are here to guide you through these powerful transitional times with kindness, experience and unconditional support. For more information on any of the following life cycle events, please reach out to the clergy assistant at 818-879-8087 or RabbisAssistant@vosla.org. For information on booking an event at VOS, click here.

Brit Milah & Baby Naming

We are thrilled to welcome a new life into the Jewish community and tradition! With blessings that express a family’s gratitude, hopes and commitment, our expert and supportive clergy will guide you through this sweet and powerful time. Contact us for mohel recommendations: Rabbisassistant@vosla.org

Bar/Bat Mitzvah

Becoming a Bar or Bat Mitzvah is when a Jewish child comes of age religiously and ranks in importance with a birth or a marriage. Bar is the Arameic word for “son,” Bat for “daughter,” and the word mitzvah means a commandment, an obligation or responsibility. Together the words signify the fulfillment an educational and spiritual milestone that has demanded a great deal of study and reflection by the youth. The Bar/Bat Mitzvah is the celebration of the shift from childhood to adulthood: the awakening of the Jewish child’s spirit to take responsibility for his or her way in the world. May it be a blessing!

Our hope is that by means of a meaningful journey to Bar and Bat Mitzvah, our children will mature in their perspectives and realize that they are in a world that requires something of them. We want them to see their relationships to family members, friends and strangers as sacred encounters and as opportunities to bring light where it is dimmed, peace where there is conflict. Our hope is that our children will be enriched by their Jewish heritage so that they can enrich the world in their lifetimes.

Weddings

Our clergy are renowned for beautiful, personal and heartfelt weddings and renewal of vows ceremonies for Jewish and interfaith couples.

Funerals

Regardless of how old or ill a person may have been at the time of their death, it is always a shock. We will lead you with great care and compassion through this time with the awareness that we come to grief as individuals, but we mourn as a community. 

Our compassionate volunteer Marlene Frierson, mmarni@juno.com, has made it her personal commitment to support families during their time of need. She can help with questions about having a shiva meal after the funeral as well as often arrange for herself or one of her committee members to open the house, receive deliveries and set up food and drink.

Unveilings

A brief and informal ceremony about 8-10 months after the funeral in which family and friends gather again in solidarity and remembrance while unveiling the grave marker. The ceremony has room for each individual family’s creativity. Clergy are not required though their leadership may be helpful with instances of complex grief or family dynamics. Contact us you would like guidance on an unveiling service. May your loved one’s memory be a blessing to you, and may your family and friends find comfort and strength in each other’s company.