Bar/Bat Mitzvah Preparation
Reaching the age of bar or bat mitzvah—13 for a boy and 12 for a girl—is an important milestone. It represents the entrance into adulthood, when the young person is emerging from childhood and becoming more mature. At this juncture, they are now considered responsible for their behavior and are obligated to practice the mitzvot as adults.
Celebrating this Jewish rite of passage is a truly joyous occasion for the family and the community. This milestone is often celebrated with a ceremony in synagogue and parties for family and friends, where the bar or bat mitzvah share words of Torah and celebrate their commitment to Judaism.
There are many customs and observances surrounding this transition to Jewish adulthood. A boy begins to wrap Tefillin, and typically receives an Aliyah to the Torah on or around his Hebrew birthday.
Girls often mark their becoming a bat mitzvah by organizing a mitzvah project and strengthening their commitment to women’s unique Mitzvot, such as Shabbat and holiday candle-lighting and separating a portion of the dough when baking challah.
More important than the celebration is that girls and boys spend the months beforehand brushing up on the how-tos of the mitzvahs and the importance of observing them, and deepen their understanding of what it means to be Jewish.
While the Bat or Bar Mitzvah itself is a tremendous milestone in the life of a Jewish girl or boy, and obviously requires study and preparation, it should never be viewed as a “graduation” from Judaism, but rather as the bright beginning of a vibrant and fulfilling Jewish life. They haven't finished observing the mitzvahs; they are just starting!
Please contact us to arrange for private bar/bat mitzvah lessons and preparation for your child. And mazal tov—congratulations!