The pidyon haben ceremony is steeped in tradition. The infant is placed on a tray, surrounded by sugar cubes and garlic*, and draped in the gold and jewels of the women in attendance. The ceremony begins with the father ascertaining that the child is his firstborn son. After the father ascertains the fact, the Kohen asks – what do you prefer – to give me the child or to redeem him?

The father responds that he wishes to redeem the child. The father then makes two blessings – one on the commandment of Pidyon Haben, and the Shehechiyanu, which is recited at festivals and when a person performs a mitzvah for the first time. The father then gives the Kohen five silver coins. The Kohen blesses the child, and makes a blessing on a cup of wine.

The coins given to the Kohen must equal the Biblical five shekalim of silver – an amount determined by the Chazon Ish (L'Chumra) to be 96 grams of pure silver.

Pidyon Haben Coins offers you the opportunity to purchase beautiful coins for this special event.