CCAR RESPONSA
New American Reform Responsa
122. Ben Zakhor
QUESTION: What is the origin of Ben Zakhor, the ceremony which occurs on the birth of a male firstborn child. (Rabbi Harold B. Waintrup, Abington PA)
ANSWER: The ceremony about which you asked continues to be observed by some families. The tradition concerning it varies, some celebrate on the eve of the day of circumcision while others do so on the Friday evening following circumcision. Moses Isserles refers the celebration on the eve of the circumcision day when he calls it “The night of vigil” (Isserles to Shulhan Arukh Yoreh Deah 265.12)
The ceremony itself is simple and consists of a few psalms, some prayers for the child and for the recovery of the mother, the shemah and the blessing of Jacob from Genesis (48.16 ff) In some of the communities of the Near East other prayers and readings are added. Occasionally they refer to Elijah who is the patron of all the children who are circumcised (Berit Olam; Berit Yitzhaq). Following the ceremony food is served according to local custom.
The origin of the ceremony is obscure. The words shalom zakhor, another term for the ceremony, are found in the Talmud in a phrase which indicates that peace enters the world upon the birth of a boy (Nid 31b; San 32b; B K 88a), but we hear nothing about a ceremony in these sources. It was sufficiently popular for mention by the Shulhan Arukh, but I have not found it earlier.
July 1987
If needed, please consult Abbreviations used in CCAR Responsa.