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Home > Jewish Life > Life Cycle

Life Cycle

Celebrating Life's Sacred Moments

At Congregation Etz Chaim, we are honored to guide you through life's most meaningful transitions. As the only Reform synagogue serving the western suburbs of Chicago across 96 zip codes, our rabbis and community support you with warmth, wisdom, and tradition as you mark these important milestones.

Joyful Celebrations Times of Remembrance Facility Information

Joyful Celebrations

Brit Ceremonies & Baby Naming

Welcoming New Life
When we have a new addition to our families, we want to impart our message and mission to our children, little by little. In the Jewish community, that begins with a brit ceremony. Many families are familiar with a brit milah (often called a bris) - the Covenant of Circumcision for sons. For daughters, we celebrate with a baby naming ceremony.

Consecration

Beginning the Jewish Journey
A ceremony in which we formally welcome our youngest students and those new to our congregation into our learning community. This beautiful ceremony is for kindergarten through third grade students after completing their first year of religious school, where children receive a certificate and blessing under the chuppah as part of a group celebration. Learn more.


B'nai Mitzvah

Becoming a Bar or Bat Mitzvah
B'nai Mitzvah is an important milestone in a family and young person's life, usually at 13 years of age. It is in the public ritual that a child expresses how his or her learning and experiences have shaped the young Jew who they are becoming. Our comprehensive preparation program ensures your teen is ready to lead services and become a full member of our Jewish community. 

Confirmation

Affirming Jewish Commitment After Bar/Bat Mitzvah
Our 10th graders learn in their last formal year of education at Congregation Etz Chaim and celebrate with the community upon the completion of this journey. Students help lead services and celebrate their ongoing commitment to Jewish life with their peers in a group celebration with a special oneg.

Weddings

Sacred Unions
Create lasting memories in our beautiful sanctuary. Our facility offers an intimate setting for your special day, with our rabbis available to officiate meaningful ceremonies that honor your love and Jewish tradition.

Times of Remembrance

Funeral Services

Honoring Memory
During life's most difficult moments, our congregation provides compassionate support and guidance. Our rabbis are available to help families navigate this sacred time with dignity, tradition, and comfort.

Available 24/7 for immediate needs

Shiva Support

Community Comfort During Mourning
Shiva (Hebrew for seven) is a seven day period of mourning beginning the evening of the burial. Reform Jews sometimes observe Shiva for fewer than seven nights. Having a Shiva minyan allows our community to support and comfort mourners during this difficult time.

Yahrzeit & Yizkor Observances

Remembering Our Loved Ones

Yahrzeit: We help families remember loved ones on either the Hebrew anniversary (based on a lunar calendar) or the Gregorian date of death. We will gladly read a name on whichever date you choose.

Yizkor: We light yahrzeit candles and recite special prayers of Yizkor ("may God remember") on the evening prior to the last days of Pesach (Passover), Shavuot, Sukkot, and Yom Kippur.

Facility Information

Our Beautiful Sanctuary

  • Professional sound system
  • Accessible facilities
  • Kitchen facilities available
  • Ample parking
  • Centrally located off two highway systems

Getting Started: Every family's needs are unique. We encourage you to reach out for a personal consultation to discuss how we can support you during these important moments.

Tue, January 13 2026 24 Tevet 5786