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Nikki and I were invited to Rabbi Jeremy and Rachel Schneider’s “bries” for their new born son. This is a commitment ceremony of sorts for the parents and an inauguration into the Jewish community and faith that takes place eight days after the baby is born.  I thought it was just a kind of baby dedication - but it is a lot more than that.  They did the circumcision in the ceremony - kinda made me queasy - but they really did it.  The baby didn’t even cry that much.  Helped me understand why the Jewish faith never got beyond a few million versus tens and hundreds of millions! 

It was a beautiful ceremony.  There were Jewish songs sung - that I absolutely love.  Then there were readings and words different people brought.  One of the most beautiful parts was when they brought out a prayer shawl that Rabbi Jeremy and Rachel used in their wedding.  It was also used to wrap and name their first born son, and now this son as well.  They wrapped themselves in it as a family.  I want to start doing that in weddings I do! 

There was a special rabbi they flew in for the circumcision - he was in his 40’s I think - and a very happy excited man who wanted to educate us, not just perform the ceremony.  He seemed excited to be doing it!  He asked Rabbi Jeremy three times if he wanted to do the circumcision, he had to by Jewish law - three times with hands shaking Rabbi Jeremy said no! 

Nikki and I were grateful to be invited and to be present.  Rabbi Jeremy has gone out of the way to invite us into his family and make us a part and we have come to love them and pray for them on a regular basis.  One thing I’m grateful for is that Rabbi Jeremy was born and bred in Texas!  Of all the Jews in the world - there’s nothing quite like a Texas Jew!