What is a Bar / Bat Mitzvah?

At 13, a young Jewish man or woman becomes obligated to observe the commandments of Judaism. “Bar/bat mitzvah” literally means “son/daughter of the commandments.” The celebration of a bar/bat mitzvah signifies that the young man or woman is beginning and will continue to function as an active and responsible Jew in the synagogue and in the wider Jewish community.

The bar/bat mitzvah child will participate in a Shabbat service in a variety of ways, depending on the congregation’s customs. The bar/bat mitzvah may do some or all of the following: lead prayers, read (often chanting) from the Torah and/or Haftarah, deliver a dvar Torah — a speech about the Torah portion read that day. Family members are usually honored by being called up to say a blessing over (or read from) the Torah, and the bar/bat mitzvah child’s parents often deliver a speech.

What customs are followed by Jewish and non-Jewish guests in a Synagogue?

A kippah (KEEP-ah) or head covering (called a yarmulke in Yiddish), is traditionally worn by male-identifying guests during the service Wearing a kippah is not a symbol of religious identification like the tallit, but is rather an act of respect to G-d and the sacredness of the worship space. Just as guests may be asked to remove their hats in the church, or remove their shoes before entering a mosque, wearing a head covering is a non-denominational act of showing respect. Kippahs (also called kippot) will be provided at the entry to the sanctuary.

Guests are asked to silence cell phones and refrain from taking photographs.

What is the dress code?

At the Synagogue, guests will usually dress up a bit, and perhaps more modestly than usual. This is different for everyone but typically we avoid jeans, hemlines above the knee, and bare shoulders.

Wear your favorite party clothes and dancing shoes to the party!