Bar/Bat Mitzvah
Celebrate your child's “coming of age” transition into Jewish adulthood with the time-honored tradition of Bar/Bat Mitzvah.
Celebrate with family and friends, knowing that you've given your child a beautiful and heartfelt entrance into Jewish adulthood and set them on a path that will lead to the continuation of your family’s heritage.
"In the B'nei Mitzvah ceremony, we witness the blossoming of young souls into responsible individuals, as they take their place in the chain of tradition, carrying forward the torch of our faith with love and dedication."
(Rabbi Abraham Joshua Heschel)
WHAT is it?
Bar Mitzvah (lit., "Son of the Commandment") and Bat Mitzvah (lit., “Daughter of the Commandment”) refers to the tradition of receiving the yoke of responsibility for the history and future of the Jewish People. While the modern ritual of leading community worship is fairly modern, the recognition of the transition into Jewish adulthood has been a part of our sacred tradition for countless generations.
Children “become” Bar/Bat Mitzvah… they aren’t “Bar/Bat Mitzvah’d.” Part of the personal responsibility is in the act of “becoming.” It is a symbolic transformation from youth to maturity. Children “become” all by themselves; how they get there is influenced by the support and love of those around them.
WHEN is it?
Different communities have different interpretations of “when,” but within the Reform Movement, children - regardless of gender - celebrate the Bar/Bat Mitzvah ritual around the age of 13, equally.
WHERE is it?
If you are not a member of a synagogue, there are still many wonderful options for where you can celebrate your family’s special simcha.
The service may take place in your home, at a rented hall, in a local park, on the beach, or anywhere special to you. (Keep in mind the very special and unique nature of this ritual, and try to find a location that can contribute to the holiness of the moment.)
Planning:
1) First, we’ll meet to discuss preferences and expectations. I’ll try to answer any questions you may have, and begin to understand your child’s learning style.
2) Then, we’ll work together to create a personalized service that incorporates your traditions, values, and wishes. Each services is designed around the unique abilities of each student. Some may do a little more; some may do a little less. In the end… they ALL become Bar/Bat Mitzvah and feel great about what they’ve done!
Preparation:
I will tutor your child on a regular schedule in order to prepare them for their moment to shine.
Using digital recordings and printable materials provided by me, your child will have all the tools they need to work independently between tutoring sessions in order to create a successful path toward their big shining moment.
The Material:
Your child will…
1) Lead portions of a Shabbat worship service, including many of the Hebrew and English prayers;
2) Chant some of the weekly Torah portion directly from a Sefer Torah;
3) Read from the weekly Haftarah;
4) Deliver a prepared speech;
5) Perform a mitzvah project of their choosing.
Additional opportunities exist for tzedakah and creative projects.
The Service:
On the big day, your child will lead the service alongside Rabbi Astrachan from a custom-printed booklet available to all in attendance.
Your child will read and sing the prayers, chant from a Torah, read a speech of their own creation, and become the next adult member of the Jewish community.
There will be many opportunities for family members and friends (both Jewish and non-Jewish) to participate with honors throughout the service. Honored guests may recite the Torah blessings in Hebrew or English, pass the Torah, undress/redress the scroll, and offer a variety of prepared blessing to our honoree.
