Jewish Naming Ceremony

MereWoodTX

I have been invited to my first baby naming ceremony for our friend's little girl. I'm hoping someone here can help me as I want to be sure I dress appropriately for the event.

While I know that going to Temple would require having my arms covered, the ceremony is actually being held in a hotel ballroom. Should I adhere to the same rules of having my arms covered since it is a Jewish ceremony? Or would it be ok if I just made sure my shoulders are covered?

MissHoppy

It depends how religious the couple is.  (I'm reform...I go to synagogue bare-armed and bare-shouldered!)

I think having your shoulders covered would be more than considerate. 

yeladim

Ditto to PP. Do you know how religious they are? Im guessing that if its in a hotel ballroom rather than Temple that people will be more lax in terms of modest dress. It never hurts to be cautious though. You wont feel out of place if you wear sleeves and not everyone else is, but you would feel odd if everyone else did and you didn't.

MelissaOrlando

No, I don't think so. I have been to 2 brits (circumcision/naming ceremony for a boy) in a Jewish community IN an orthodox Jewish temple. There were Orthodox Jewish girls wearing much more risque things than I ever would... and I'm not Jewish.

I think these are considered exceptions because they know non-Jewish people will be there.

That being said, it wouldn't hurt to cover your shoulders, if you have something already. It will just make things easier, and ensure you are comfortable.

lupineaura

Best advice is to ask your friend

queenbone

I agree with PP to ask your friend.  I've only been to one, but it was in the winter so there was no question of whether I'd wear sleeves or not.

SunshineMuffin

MelissaOrlando:

No, I don't think so. I have been to 2 brits (circumcision/naming ceremony for a boy) in a Jewish community IN an orthodox Jewish temple. There were Orthodox Jewish girls wearing much more risque things than I ever would... and I'm not Jewish.

I think these are considered exceptions because they know non-Jewish people will be there.

That being said, it wouldn't hurt to cover your shoulders, if you have something already. It will just make things easier, and ensure you are comfortable.

Just an FYI: it's a BRIS.  I also cannot imagine that anyone Orthodox would wear something "risque" to temple...ever.

dbowitz

If you can't ask your friend, then I would wear a nice sundress or skirt and top and then bring a cardigan or shawl, so you have the option to cover your shoulders. Because the ceremony is in a hotel and not at the temple or someone's home, my guess is that this family isn't super observant, but I would bring something to cover my shoulders with just in case.

Have a great time at the ceremony and it's very thoughtful of you to consider this in advance.