CHABAD of MAKES HISTORY in the Merrick-Bellmore-Wantagh community:
9 Pidyon Haben Ceremonies in One Night

[Merrick, NY] — In a moving celebration of Jewish tradition, the Chabad Center for Jewish Life of Merrick-Bellmore-Wantagh marked a historic moment by hosting ten Pidyon Haben ceremonies in a single evening, gathering hundreds of guests, scholars, rabbis, and family members in one unified expression of faith and continuity.

The central event featured the Pidyon Haben of baby Levi, son of Rabbi Mendel and Esther Malka Kramer, and grandson of Rabbi Shimon & Chanie Kramer. The ceremony was not only rich in tradition but deeply personal. Levi was carried through the arms of four generations—from mother to grandmothers, to great-grandmothers, to great-grandfathers, and then to his father—culminating in his redemption by his great-grandfather and Kohen, Dr. Shlomo Newfield.

“Today marks the 32nd yahrzeit of my grandfather, Rabbi Chaim Mordechai Aizik Hodakov,” shared Rabbi Shimon Kramer in his opening remarks. “Thirty-two is the numerical value of lev—heart—which connects us so deeply to young Levi. We pray he grows in Torah, under the blessings of the Lubavitcher Rebbe, to a life of Torah, marriage, and good deeds.”

The ceremony followed halachic tradition with warmth, music, and audience participation. At one point, guests were invited to vote—five fingers to redeem the child with silver coins or a fist to give the child to the Kohen—inviting both laughter and reflection.

The significance of the Pidyon Haben was explained through a heartfelt narrative: “On nine separate occasions, the Torah emphasizes the sanctity of redeeming a firstborn son… beginning with the Exodus, when God spared the Jewish firstborn.”

Once the symbolic five silver coins were handed over, the ceremony continued with nine additional redemptions, honoring other families whose sons had not yet been redeemed, and each received a certificate.

Throughout the night, music—ranging from traditional Siman Tov u’Mazel Tov to soulful acapella—filled the air. The ceremony was documented on video and enhanced with careful attention to detail—thanks to volunteers handling sound, signage, and logistics.

The evening concluded with the Priestly Blessing from all the Kohanim present, followed by a joyous and festive meal — a mitzvah in and of itself. Guests were given goody bags with sugar cubes and garlic cloves, allowing them to extend the holiness of the Pidyon Haben into their own homes. By using these ingredients in their cooking, they help share in the mitzvah, infusing their meals with the spirit and sweetness of this special occasion.

The final words of Torah were shared by Mendel, Levi’s father, expressing gratitude, insight, and love for a tradition passed down through generations.

“We end tonight with a prayer for the ultimate Pidyon Haben—when G‑d will redeem His firstborn, the Jewish nation, with the coming of Moshiach,” Rabbi Mendel Kramer said.

Click HERE to watch some video clips of the ceremony!

To learn more about the origins of the pidyon haben ceremony, click here: https://www.chabadjewishlife.org/652310