Re: pidyon haben

[Rachel Heckert <heckertkrs...>]

Hi Ernie,

> Last night we played music for a pidyon haben or redemption? ceremony 
> and  reception. I've only seen this once before in Melbourne. I 
understand the
> redemption ceremony occurs on day 30 after birth of first-born 
non-levite/cohen boy. 
> Does anyone know if this ceremony used to be more common or is  common
> elsewhere?   Any information about music, for example as the baby is
brought into 
> the room?  thanks Ernie

Pidyon haben (redemption) is a standard and obligatory ritual observed by
all Orthodox Jews.  The son has to be the first-born child of the mother,
and is considered dedicated to the service of the Holy Temple unless
redeemed (the silver coins used).  Check out the story of the birth of
the prophet Samuel in Tanach.  In fact, you can get by without a formal
bar mitzvah - a boy is bar mitzvah on his thirteenth birthday like it or
not, and with or without any ceremony at all, but a pidyon haben is
obligatory, and has to be performed if a first-born son becomes Orthodox
- even if he's ninety-two!

Special music I don't know about, but I can ask.  Or maybe someone else
on the list will know.

BTW, there's a substantial Orthodox/Chassidic community in Melbourne, so
there must be quite a few of them happening, but I don't know if it's
usual to have a reception fancy enough to have a band.  Here in Brooklyn
I think they tend to be less elaborate.

Regards,

Rachel 
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