Bar/Bat Mitzvah

Literally, Bar Mitzvah means “son of the commandment” and Bat Mitzvah means “daughter of the commandment.”  It is not an event, but a title given to children at the age of thirteen to signify joining the adult Jewish community and their obligation to fulfill the mitzvot. It signifies their change in status. A young person becomes Bar or Bat Mitzvah at their birthday; no ceremony is needed to confer adulthood. While we may perceive thirteen to be in the midst of childhood, Jewish law allows B’nai Mitzvah (plural of Bar and Bat Mitzvah) to count in a minyan (the minimum number of people necessary for some religious practices), to form binding contracts and to serve as a witness in religious courts.

Celebrating the change of status that goes along with becoming a Bar Mitzvah (the first Bat Mitzvah did not occur until 1922) is fairly recent in Jewish history, dating back only five centuries. Celebrating becoming Bat Mitzvah is even more recent - just a little over a century. 

Today, we emphasize the educational aspect, rather than reaching the age of majority. At Temple Sinai, B’nai Mitzvah demonstrate their ability to lead services, read Torah, teach the community, participate in mitzvah work, and give tzedakah.

Bar or Bat Mitzvah is not the endpoint of Jewish Education. We are all obligated to continue the study of Torah and the fulfillment of righteous deeds throughout our lives. B’nai Mitzvah celebrate their change in status and honor their new responsibility not only on the day of their ceremony but through ongoing commitments to our tradition and community.

On that Special Shabbat 

At the Friday evening service during the Shabbat when you will celebrate becoming a Bar/Bat Mitzvah, your family will be invited to light the Shabbat candles and your child will be invited to lead the congregation in some part of the service liturgy. At the Saturday morning service, your child will be leading the congregation in prayer, teaching and finally reciting the Torah and Haftarah portions.

Dates for Bar/Bat Mitzvah celebrations are set three years in advance. We require a minimum of three years of Jewish education, and family participation in the process. Individual study with the cantor and rabbis begins around five months prior. Attendance for B’nai Mitzvah is required at both Friday night and Saturday morning services.

There is a $1000 B’nai Mitzvah fee which covers training, materials, oneg sponsorship, and bimah flowers. We encourage you to consider using Temple Sinai for your Shabbat dinner and celebration following morning services.