Letter: Many alternatives to the baptism service

Sir: The information on Jewish custom, as given by Dr Martin Palmer in your interesting article on birth celebrations in various religions ('Baby rites a feature of all major religions except Buddhism', 23 July). refers only to Orthodox Jewish custom. Progressive Jews the world over mark the birth of both boy and girl by a short synagogue ceremony involving mother, father and child.

This happy ceremony, which usually takes place in front of the congregation at the conclusion of a Sabbath service, combines a thanksgiving by the mother after the experience of childbirth and the naming of the child, customarily in Hebrew and English.

Yours sincerely,

Director

Union of Liberal &

Progressive Synagogues

London, W1

23 July