The Bar Mitzvah ceremony for young men, as we know it, dates back to thirteenth century Europe and is considered to be a modern innovation in Jewish tradition. The first Bat Mitzvah ceremony for young women was created and took place in New York City in 1926.
A Son or Daughter of the Commandments
On Shabbat (Sabbath), 13 year-old boys and girls are called to the Torah as a Bar or Bat Mitzvah. "Bar" is the Hebrew word for "son", "Bat" means "daughter" and "Mitzvah" means "commandment." During this service, the community joins with the young adult to celebrate his or her acceptance of their responsibilities as a son or daughter of the commandments.
Preparation
In preparation for a Bar/Bat Mitzvah, the teenager will typically have attended Religious School since kindergarten and Hebrew School since the third grade. They will have studied their Jewish heritage and the biblical language of their ancestors. During the fourth year of Hebrew School, the young person will begin formal Bar Mitzvah training with Rabbi Cohen.
"Called To The Torah"
To celebrate this life cycle event, the teenager will be "called to the Torah" to read, before the congregation, a portion of the Torah in the original Hebrew. The Torah is a scroll containing the first five books of the Bible. They will also read a passage from one of the books of the prophets called Haftorah, as well as lead the congregation in several traditional prayers and readings.
Celebrate Together
Our prayer book is written in both English and Hebrew. Pages are announced from the Bimah (pulpit) to assist you in following the order of our service.
A Family Affair
At the close of the service a special blessing, the "Motzi," is said over a ceremonial bread called "Challah" and includes blessing the food we are about to enjoy. Typically cousins of the teenager will be called to the Bimah to lead us in reciting the Motzi.
Oneg Shabbat
In honor of the B'Nai Mitzvah boy or girl, family and friends are then invited to attend an Oneg Shabbat (reception) immediately following the service.
