What’s a Bar Mitzvah?

Becoming Bat, Bar, B’nei or B’ Mitzvah is coming of age in the Jewish community. A B’Mitzvah service is a coming-of-age ritual for Jewish children at the age of 13, when according to Jewish law, a child becomes responsible for their actions. The ceremony marks the transition between the parent(s) answering for their child and the child taking responsibility for themself. This includes understanding their role in observing our 613 mitzvot, or sacred obligations.

Which service(s) should I come to? Friday night, Saturday morning, or both?

It’s your choice. The main B’Mitzvah service is Saturday morning the 9th at 10:30 am and generally runs until about 12:00. Charlie will lead the service, chant from the Torah, and teach the congregation. The service will be followed by lunch.

Friday evening the 8th is a weekly Kabbalat Shabbat service and is also about 90 minutes long, beginning at 6:30 pm. Charlie and our family will play a role in this service, but not nearly as much as Saturday. As Friday is a regular service, there will likely be more Shir Tikvah community members there in addition to some B’Mitzvah guests. There are light treats after. 

Can I participate if I can’t be there in person?

Yes! If you are unable to attend in person, please join us online on Saturday morning: www.bit.ly/shirtikvahbmitzvah.

Will I stick out if I’m not Jewish or this is my first B’Mitzvah?

No! We do not assume anything about the level of knowledge or background people are bringing when they walk in the door. We do our best to narrate what’s happening throughout the service. You are welcome to participate as much or as little in the service as you like. There will be a fair bit of Hebrew throughout both services, but our prayer books have transliterations and translations. 

What should I wear?

There is no “typical” or expected kind of dress for us or our Shir Tikvah community. You will most likely see people in everything from suits and dresses to jeans and sneakers, or shorts and flip flops. Please be comfortable and wear what you like!