Lifecycle

Congregation Kesser Israel is an extended family – we celebrate the joys of Jewish life together, and support each other in times of sorrow. Throughout the cycle of life, we are here for you:

Bris/Baby Naming

Welcoming and blessing a Jewish baby is his or her introduction to Jewish life. We are happy to work with you on a meaningful, joyous ceremony. A bris, or brit milah, typically takes place on the eighth day after a boy’s birth.  Kesser works most closely with certified local mohels, including  Rabbi Eliyahu Weisman, and we are happy to recommend others as well.  The naming ceremony for a girl often takes place at shul during Shabbat services. For more information, please email us.  

Bar/Bat Mitzvah

When the time comes to celebrate a Bat Mitzvah (for a girl, at age 12), or a Bar Mitzvah (for a boy, at age 13), Kesser Israel is here to help your family mark this important milestone. For more information, please email us.

Weddings

At Kesser Israel, we take the mitzvah of “rejoicing with the bride and the groom” to heart, and are happy to help create a meaningful experience for you, your family and friends. Please email us with any questions.

Illness, Death and Mourning  (or:  Illness and Bereavement)

Kesser Israel maintains a list for Refuah Shlemah (prayer for complete recovery), and includes a special prayer for healing during the Shabbat Torah service. If you wish to have your loved one included on the list, please email Michael Rosenberg.

Kesser Israel provides support and comfort during times of grief and mourning.  Please contact our office immediately if there is a death in the family.

The congregation can assist with funeral, burial and shiva minyan arrangements.  For information about the Kesser Israel Cemetery, please click here.

The Chevra Kadisha of Portland (Jewish Burial Society) is a group of men and a group of women who perform the traditional Jewish ritual of preparing individuals for burial. The Chevra works with all area funeral homes, and with any families wishing a traditional tahara (ritual preparation) for their loved ones. For additional information, please email Michael Rosenberg, director of the Chevra Kadisha.

A Yahrzeit plaque is a meaningful way to honor the memory of your departed loved ones.

The plaques are illuminated during the month of the Yahrzeit and on the four holidays each year when Yizkor is recited. Another opportunity is the Yizkor Book published every year at the High Holidays. To order a Yahrzeit plaque, please click here; for information about the Yizkor Book, or to submit names, please email us or fill out the form at kesserisrael.org/yizkor-book.

If you would like Kesser Israel to notify you when the yahrzeit dates of your loved ones are approaching, you can log into your Kesser membership account and add the names and dates here.

Kiddush and Seudah Shlishit

Sponsoring a kiddush or a seudah shlishit on Shabbat is a great way to celebrate a special occasion or to honor a special person or group. To sponsor a kiddush or seudah shlishit, or for more information, please contact our kiddush coordinator.

Mezuzah Hanging

Kesser Israel is delighted to help make your residence a true home by helping to hang a mezuzah with a special blessing. Please contact the Kesser office to schedule, and read  about the mezuzah, its history and traditions.