עברית
Halachot and Customs
What is said during the z'vad bat ceremony? Is a minyan required?
Question
Hello esteemed rabbi,
With your permission, I would like to ask about the z'vad bat ceremony:
What is said during the ceremony and is a minyan required at home?
Thank you very much
Answer
Dear sir,
1. It is written in the book Otzer HaBrit part 1 (chapter 6, section 2, paragraph 8) that according to the tradition of the Sephardim, it is customary to give a name to a daughter during the z'vad bat ceremony. The formula for the naming is [taking the daughter in hand and saying] "My dove, in the clefts of the rock, in the secret places of the stairs, let me see your face, let me hear your voice, for your voice is sweet and your face is lovely."
"He who blessed our forefathers, Sarah, Rivka, Rachel, and Leah, Miriam the prophetess, Abigail, and Esther the queen, daughter of AviChayil, may He bless this pleasant child and name her [name] with good fortune and at the time of blessing. May she be raised in health, peace, and tranquility. May her father and mother merit to see her joy and her wedding, sons, male children, wealth, and honor; may they flourish in old age, and may it be His will and we say Amen."
2. A minyan is not required, but if the woman wishes to recite Birkat HaGomel (the Blessing of Thanksgiving), the presence of a minyan of men is necessary.
Sincerely,
Hillel Meirs
