Charlie’s Bar Mitzvah
August 9, 2025

FAQs

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 lunc

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!

What is the plan for the party on Saturday night? 

We'll be gathering at Goldy’s Gameroom at Coffman Union on the University of Minnesota East Bank campus. Convenient parking (that we’ll cover) in the East River Road Garage, then just follow the signs into Coffman Union and then to Goldy’s Game Room on the same floor. If you’re walking or dropping off a partygoer, there’s a door to Coffman Union at the turnaround in front of the Delaware St entrance to the East River Road Garage, then immediately down the stairs to Goldy’s Gameroom.

Do I need to stick around if my kid is attending Saturday night?

Nope. You’re very welcome to hang out, but also 100% fine to drop them off. Same goes for services - it’s a very safe space and there will be plenty of people around.

I like to know what kind of food situation I’m getting into, should I eat before I show up?

We’re glad you asked. There will be a full buffet lunch after Saturday service (around 12:15) and a casual dinner at the Saturday night party. Lots of vegetarian options at both. On Friday night, there are just light snacks, mostly sweets, after services

Should I give a gift?

Gifts are welcome but not expected. Charlie would love it if you considered contributing to Family Tree Clinic or Shir Tikvah.

Is there a hotel block or recommendation for out of towners?

We don’t have a block, but we recommend any of these socially responsible union hotels, near downtown or the airport, the closest of which to Saturday evenings festivities is the Courtyard Minneapolis Downtown, just a 15 minute walk (or 6 minute drive) across the Mississippi River from Goldy’s Gameroom.

Current Events

For a long time, our congregation has been in active conversation about Israel and Palestine. There are regular moments in our services where we touch on the ongoing violence and suffering in Gaza and the West Bank, and pray for peace, justice, and the safe return of hostages. We hope this is a comfortable and welcoming space for all of our diverse extended community.