Judaism
Judaism is one of the three Abraham religions. Jewish boys and Jewish girls have different rites but the two main rites that Jewish children go through is circumcision and baby naming.
Circumcision
Circumcision is when a Jewish boy (only) removes the foreskin of their penis and is usually done when they are a child. A Jewish child is usually named Jewish if the mother is considered a Jew. Jewish girls don't go through circumcision however, the Brit Milah (circumcision) is very significant for young Jewish boys. This shows the covenant that god made with Abraham. Circumcision is preferably done in the first seven to eight days however, it may be delayed due to medical reasons. The male friend or relative will play the role of being the Sandek and hold the child while the Mohel is performing circumcision.
Baby Naming
Most Ashkenazi Jews tend to name their baby girl on the first Sabbatch after she is born. However, it is still acceptable for the baby child to be named at any one of her Torah reading (the Torah is read Monday and Thursday mornings as well as the Sabbath). The father is summoned to the Torah and the baby girl receives her name. A prayer is also said during that time for the health and well being of the mother and he child. The prayer is always introduced with the mention of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. Depending on the presence of the mother, her husband or herself will say the Thanksgiving Prayer. Thanksgiving Prayers are said when one person has survived a life threatening situation. For a mother, delivering her baby would be under the same category.
Most Sephardi Jews name their child at the Torah reading. In addition to the naming, they will also read a verse from Song of Songs, chapter 2, verse 14 "At the sea. He said to me, 'O My dove, trapped at the sea as if in the clefts of the rock, the concealment of the terrace. Show me your prayerful gaze, let me hear your supplicating voice, for your voice is sweet and your countenance comely. Unlike the Ashkanzim's blessing which starts with the patriarchs (Abraham, Isaac and Jacob) the Sepharadim begins with the matriarchs: Sara, Rebecca, Rachel and Leah.
Only in some Sephardi communities, the girl will stay at home to be named. Their belief is that the mother and baby who has just survived a life threatening situation shouldn't leave the house for a month thus, the naming ceremony can only be proceeded at home. After various customs are performed to zone out the evil eye (devil) there is an after party which consists of all the relatives and friends of the family.
Most Sephardi Jews name their child at the Torah reading. In addition to the naming, they will also read a verse from Song of Songs, chapter 2, verse 14 "At the sea. He said to me, 'O My dove, trapped at the sea as if in the clefts of the rock, the concealment of the terrace. Show me your prayerful gaze, let me hear your supplicating voice, for your voice is sweet and your countenance comely. Unlike the Ashkanzim's blessing which starts with the patriarchs (Abraham, Isaac and Jacob) the Sepharadim begins with the matriarchs: Sara, Rebecca, Rachel and Leah.
Only in some Sephardi communities, the girl will stay at home to be named. Their belief is that the mother and baby who has just survived a life threatening situation shouldn't leave the house for a month thus, the naming ceremony can only be proceeded at home. After various customs are performed to zone out the evil eye (devil) there is an after party which consists of all the relatives and friends of the family.