Welcome to the World, Jonah Baer

On Sunday, January 14, we gathered with family and friends to hold a baby naming ceremony and celebrate the Jewish tradition of Pidyon HaBen. Rabbi Jan Goldstein, a longtime friend of the Binder family, helped us put together a beautiful ceremony and presided over the occassion. Ruth Ann's mother Farla and Matt's father Doug spoke about the respective families into which Jonah has been born. Our friend Lauren sang a lullabye. Our goddaughter Louisa brought a picture of an elf (and her brother Benno drew Jonah a dragon for strong magic protection). Friends offered blessing and good wishes. Jonah Baer Rossiter, Tzvi Dov in Hebrew, was welcomed to this world.

Times like this also bring a carry an element of sadness for the passing of Ruth Ann's father Hershey. Even though he wasn't with us physically, Hershey's gentle and loving presence was there throughout. We began the ceremony under his tallit, held over us as a huppah (a wedding canopy) by our family. And as the ceremony ended, Jan heard Hershey's voice telling him to take the Torah out of the ark and bring it to Jonah. Jan brought the Torah to where the three of us sat, and Jonah reached out his hand. We cried. Tears of joy for our child, blessed with wonderful family and friends. Tears of sadness for the grandfather Jonah will never meet in person. Tears of joy for the knowledge that Hershey will be there throughout Jonah's life, in spirit, in memory and in the Jewish traditions that Hershey loved so well.