Frequently Asked Questions
What does "Bar Mitzvah" mean?
Under Jewish Law, at the age of 13, a boy “becomes a Bar Mitzvah” and a girl “becomes a Bat Mitzvah”, meaning that they become responsible for their own morals and religious duties (as set forth by the commandments).
What is a Bar Mitzvah service?
The Shabbat service where the B’nai Mitzvah read from the Torah formally marks the assumption of that obligation, along with the corresponding right to take part in leading religious services, to count in a minyan (the minimum number of people needed to perform certain parts of religious services), to form binding contracts, to testify before religious courts, and to marry. They have become full-fledged members of the Jewish community.
What is Shabbat (Sabbath)?
The seventh day of the week, Shabbat, is a time of rest, cherished as a period for family togetherness, spiritual reflection, personal renewal, and Torah study. Shabbat extends from sundown Friday to sundown Saturday, ushered in with the ritual lighting of candles and related prayers.
What does it mean to be "called to the Torah"?
The Torah is the five books of the Hebrew bible, including Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy. The B’nai Mitzvah will chant approximately 10-14 verses of Torah, separated by 3 Aliyot.
What is in the Torah Service?
The service consists of three parts:
Will Josh be on the Bimah?
The "Bimah" is the pulpit (on the raised stage in front of the sanctuary). During the course of the service, the B’nai Mitzvah will be called up to the Bimah to help lead the congregation in prayer and to participate in the Torah service.
What should I wear?
Those attending a Shabbat service should dress respectfully, slacks or a suit for boys and men, and a dress for women or girls - as if they were attending an afternoon wedding. We do request that shoulders are covered during the service (even if only temporarily with a shawl or light sweater).
Do I have to wear a Yarmulke (Kippah))?
A "yarmulke" or "kippah" is a head covering worn during prayer as a sign of reverence. Often men and boys wear it in the sanctuary during the service. We have asked a NY manufacturer to make some extra ones for the occasion (blue - with Josh's name inside). In our progressive temple, women and girls are also welcome to wear one if they'd like. It is optional, but it will be nice for Josh to see a sea of blue when he stands up to read from the Torah.
Do I wear a Tallis - a prayer shawl?
You can wear a jacket, shawl, or light sweater to keep warm or cover your shoulders, but only Jewish adults wear a "tallis" or traditional prayer shawl (after they have become B'Nai Mitzvah). In fact, Josh brought his tallis from Israel, but he had to wait until today to wear it! In our temple, both Jewish men and women can wear a tallis. If you look around during the service, you'll see a variety of tallis designs. They range from traditional blue and white to beautiful colorful ones.
What is an appropriate gift?
We are thrilled that our family and close friends are able to join us for this special day. That is the true and memorable gift! But as many of you have already asked, here is an article about gift giving (something special connected to the Bar Mitzvah's personal interests, a traditional Judaica item, or money). If giving a monetary gift, there is a Jewish tradition to give an amount that is a multiple of 18. Why? Because the Hebrew letters that form "Chai" (which means "life") add up to 18, so it's a way to say, "We wish you a good life!"
- Bar Mitzvah = Son of the Commandments
- Bat Mitzvah = Daughter of the Commandments
- The Plural = B’nai Mitzvah
Under Jewish Law, at the age of 13, a boy “becomes a Bar Mitzvah” and a girl “becomes a Bat Mitzvah”, meaning that they become responsible for their own morals and religious duties (as set forth by the commandments).
What is a Bar Mitzvah service?
The Shabbat service where the B’nai Mitzvah read from the Torah formally marks the assumption of that obligation, along with the corresponding right to take part in leading religious services, to count in a minyan (the minimum number of people needed to perform certain parts of religious services), to form binding contracts, to testify before religious courts, and to marry. They have become full-fledged members of the Jewish community.
What is Shabbat (Sabbath)?
The seventh day of the week, Shabbat, is a time of rest, cherished as a period for family togetherness, spiritual reflection, personal renewal, and Torah study. Shabbat extends from sundown Friday to sundown Saturday, ushered in with the ritual lighting of candles and related prayers.
What does it mean to be "called to the Torah"?
The Torah is the five books of the Hebrew bible, including Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy. The B’nai Mitzvah will chant approximately 10-14 verses of Torah, separated by 3 Aliyot.
What is in the Torah Service?
The service consists of three parts:
- Removing the Torah from the Ark
- Study of the week’s Torah portion
- Returning the Torah to the Ark.
Will Josh be on the Bimah?
The "Bimah" is the pulpit (on the raised stage in front of the sanctuary). During the course of the service, the B’nai Mitzvah will be called up to the Bimah to help lead the congregation in prayer and to participate in the Torah service.
What should I wear?
Those attending a Shabbat service should dress respectfully, slacks or a suit for boys and men, and a dress for women or girls - as if they were attending an afternoon wedding. We do request that shoulders are covered during the service (even if only temporarily with a shawl or light sweater).
Do I have to wear a Yarmulke (Kippah))?
A "yarmulke" or "kippah" is a head covering worn during prayer as a sign of reverence. Often men and boys wear it in the sanctuary during the service. We have asked a NY manufacturer to make some extra ones for the occasion (blue - with Josh's name inside). In our progressive temple, women and girls are also welcome to wear one if they'd like. It is optional, but it will be nice for Josh to see a sea of blue when he stands up to read from the Torah.
Do I wear a Tallis - a prayer shawl?
You can wear a jacket, shawl, or light sweater to keep warm or cover your shoulders, but only Jewish adults wear a "tallis" or traditional prayer shawl (after they have become B'Nai Mitzvah). In fact, Josh brought his tallis from Israel, but he had to wait until today to wear it! In our temple, both Jewish men and women can wear a tallis. If you look around during the service, you'll see a variety of tallis designs. They range from traditional blue and white to beautiful colorful ones.
What is an appropriate gift?
We are thrilled that our family and close friends are able to join us for this special day. That is the true and memorable gift! But as many of you have already asked, here is an article about gift giving (something special connected to the Bar Mitzvah's personal interests, a traditional Judaica item, or money). If giving a monetary gift, there is a Jewish tradition to give an amount that is a multiple of 18. Why? Because the Hebrew letters that form "Chai" (which means "life") add up to 18, so it's a way to say, "We wish you a good life!"