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Dec 10, 1997 - 13:04 -

I have a question:
Can Jews have baby showers or is it bad luck or superstitious?

About me:
My e-mail address:   kruleadamj@quinnipiac.edu
How I found this site:


Thanks for your question re: baby showers for Jews. It is not traditionally done, and is not a good idea.  A better approach is to celebrate at the naming, when the mother and the child are both out of danger.  

The naming is done at the bris (circumcision) for a boy, or during an aliyah in synagogue for a girl.  Both events use the child's name publicly for the first time in their liturgy (as well as including prayers extolling the mother and expressing wishes for the child's future). Both events can (and usually do) include large festive gatherings.

Similar to the Jewish attitude toward baby-showers is the attitude toward giving invitations to these naming events. If someone matter-of-factly tells you that a bris is being held at such-and-such a date and place... you have just been invited. That's all the invitation anybody gets!  So never expect an invitation -- just be there!