B’nai Mitzvah: Bar Mitzvah and Bat Mitzvah at Temple Shaari Emeth

Temple Shaari Emeth takes pride in educating our youth through our Religious School, taking them through preparation for their B’nai Mitzvah. Training for the skills needed to understand our liturgy and lead prayers as a Bar or Bat Mitzvah begins early, and is constantly reinforced throughout our curriculum. 

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What is a Bar Mitzvah and Bat Mitzvah?

The definition of Bar/Bat Mitzvah is “the religious initiation ceremony of a Jewish boy/girl who has reached the age of 13 and is regarded as ready to observe religious precepts and eligible to take part in public worship.”

Bar/Bat Mitzvah, meaning "son/daughter of the commandment," is not a mere celebration or service, but a status one attains upon reaching the age of 13. At Temple Shaari Emeth, this rite of passage marks the beginning of a lifelong commitment to Jewish learning and community service. It is seen as a commencement of Jewish adulthood and a process involving study, social action, self-reflection, and religious service​​.

Bar/Bat Mitzvah is rooted in ancient Jewish traditions. The practice dates back to at least the Second Century, with the Talmud noting that boys become subject to the commandments at 13. The ceremony's essential practices, such as reading from the Torah and leading the community in worship, have been preserved over the centuries. The Bat Mitzvah for girls, introduced in 1922, is now a standard practice in Reform and Conservative communities​​.

The essence of Bar/Bat Mitzvah lies in accepting responsibilities to the community and performing mitzvot (commandments). This includes learning skills like chanting Torah and public speaking, but more importantly, it involves embracing the role of a Jewish adult committed to continued study and community welfare​​.

Ceremony and Preparation

Preparation for Bar/Bat Mitzvah at Temple Shaari Emeth begins in the 4th grade with Hebrew reading assessments. Students are typically assigned a date close to their 13th birthday. Many students share their ceremony dates due to the large number of B’nai Mitzvah each year. The shared services aim to create a meaningful experience for all participants. Regular attendance at Shabbat services and participation in specific ceremonies are part of the preparation process​​.

The Bar/Bat Mitzvah ceremony is a religious service emphasizing Torah's centrality in Jewish life. It is not a performance but a commemoration of the child's growth and effort. The reception following the ceremony is considered a continuation of the celebration. Non-Jewish family members are warmly welcomed to participate in various aspects of the ceremony, fostering inclusivity and communal support​​.

By maintaining focus on the spiritual and communal significance of the Bar/Bat Mitzvah, Temple Shaari Emeth aims to enrich the lives of the students and their families, guiding them from strength to strength in their Jewish journey​​.

What Happens at a Bar/Bat Mitzvah Ceremony?

At Temple Shaari Emeth, the Bar/Bat Mitzvah ceremony is a culmination of a process involving study, social action, self-reflection, and religious service. This process prepares the child for a meaningful and committed Jewish life.

During the Bar/Bat Mitzvah service, the child participates in several key religious duties. They lead the congregation in prayer as a Shaliach Tzibur, chant a portion from the Torah, read from the Haftarah, and deliver a D’var Torah, which is a teaching on the weekly Torah portion. The service emphasizes the centrality of Torah in Jewish life and celebrates the child's effort and personal growth.

The ceremony is followed by a reception, traditionally called a Se’udat Mitzvah, which is a meal in honor of the mitzvah performed. This reception is viewed as a continuation of the celebration, reinforcing the ongoing commitment to community and charity.

Learn More

Find out more about preparation, training, the ceremony, and the procedures around the ceremony and reception, including what to wear and inviting guests in our B’nai Mitzvah handbook.