The Role of Godparents and Witnesses in Jewish Newborn Ceremonies
Jewish newborn ceremonies, such as the Brit Milah (for boys) and Simchat Bat (for girls), are filled with profound cultural and religious significance. These milestones are not only a way to welcome a child into the Jewish faith and community but also provide an opportunity for family and friends to play meaningful roles. Among the key participants in these ceremonies are godparents and witnesses, each of whom hold a special responsibility that strengthens the spiritual and communal aspects of the occasion. The Role of Godparents in Jewish Newborn Ceremonies While the role of godparents is often associated with Christian traditions, some Jewish families choose to appoint godparents, also called “Kvodim” or "Sandek" (in the case of the Brit Milah), for their newborns. In Jewish tradition, however, godparents are not a mandatory part of the ceremony but are rather an honorary role that can be introduced based on family preferences. The involvement of a godparent in Jewish newbo...