New Jewish Baby Book (2nd Edition): Names, Ceremonies & Customs―A Guide for Today's Families

After getting great use out of Diamant's The New Jewish Wedding, I was looking forward to The New Jewish Baby Book, as we prepare to welcome our son. In a book that is otherwise so open to traditional as well as interfaith/LGBT/international matters, up to and including situations where the mother isn't Jewish, I was disappointed, saddened, and guilt-tripped to find the verdict on a traditional bris: nobody looks forward to it, yes it hurts, and you have to do it. It goes on for 38 pages to explain why, without a single word suggesting that it is anything but mandatory.As a member of a liberal, interfaith couple, raised Reform and quite happy with my Jewish identity, I am still searching for a meaningful welcoming ceremony for our son that isn't "activist", and that doesn't necessarily *need* to involve a scalpel. It was very disappointing that this book that advertises itself to be about "rituals and choices" doesn't offer any assistance.

I bought this book because I am not Jewish and needed to learn more about my son's bris. This book proved to be invaluable. It provided so much detail about what a bris is all about and the beautiful things I can do to make his day unique. It also gave several examples of different ways of celebrating, different passages one can read, etc. I definitely recommend this book for anyone who wants to learn more about bris milah.

My husband and I are expecting our first child, a girl, and wanted to learn about Jewish traditions surrounding her birth. This book is great - I wish the name section was a bit longer, but otherwise it is well-written and contains a lot of beautiful info.

great book. helped a lot

This book is an excellent reference for expectant parents looking to celebrate Jewish traditions. I highly recommend it!

Love this book, many insights into traditions and great ideas, plus baby names :)

Love it.

Lovely book that covers so much. I found this book to be a great resource as well as funny and insightful.