Bar Mitzvah 101

What happens during the morning Shabbat service?

Shabbat (shah-baht), the Jewish Sabbath, is a weekly holiday that celebrates creation and offers a respite from the hectic pace of the week. It is a day of rest filled with spiritual enrichment. Shabbat begins at sundown on Friday and ends on Saturday evening. During the morning Shabbat service on December 21, Jonathan will lead parts of the service, read from the Torah, chant prayers, and give a speech that teaches others about his Torah reading and how it connects to his personal life. The service will be conducted in English and Hebrew. 

If some of the Shabbat service is conducted in Hebrew, how will I understand or follow along?

The siddur (prayer book) has English translations. There will also be other reading material including a comprehensive program explaining parts of the Shabbat service and symbols you will find in the sanctuary. You can also sit back and admire the stained glass windows while listening to Jonathan chant his Torah portion and other prayers.

What should I wear to the morning Shabbat service?

As the sanctuary in the synagogue is a place of worship, modest dress is appropriate. What someone may wear to church or another house of worship would be appropriate to be worn at the service. Shoulders should be covered.

What time should I arrive? 

Morning services begin at 9:30am. You may arrive at 9:30am, or arrive at the time that is listed on the invitation to be sure to not miss Jonathan leading services and reading Torah. Services typically end by 12:30pm.

Are there expectations for maintaining sanctity during the Shabbat service?

Yes. All guests and participants are expected to respect the sanctity of the prayer service and Shabbat by: silencing cell phones, not using electronic devices (if you have a young child who needs to be kept occupied, consider bringing books and quiet sensory toys), not taking pictures or video, not writing, and limiting side conversations.

You want me to throw candy at Jonathan?!

Seems a little silly to be throwing candy at Jonathan during a religious service, right? Wrong! Once Jonathan finishes chanting his Haftorah (a selection from one of the biblical books of the prophets), it is customary to throw candy at Jonathan to wish him a sweet life and to congratulate him on a job well done. Candy will be handed out to you during the service. Please don’t eat it…wait to throw it. After it is thrown, children will be invited to gather it - then they can eat it!

What is the attire for the evening party?

Semi-formal/cocktail attire is suggested for the party. Time to get dressed up and have a great time! Save the ripped jeans and athletic pants for a relaxing Sunday.

What happens at the party?

COME HUNGRY!!! The party will start with a one-hour cocktail hour ~ LOTS of food, kid friendly drinks, and an open bar for adults. The main party will last for four hours and will include dinner, dessert, drinks, dancing, games for kids, a candle-lighting ceremony, the hora (a Jewish circle dance), and much more! We hope you will stay until 11:30pm - it’s going to be a great night! 

Can I just come for the party?

The actual “Bar Mitzvah” takes place during the morning Shabbat service. Jonathan is excited to showcase his learning and hard work to all of his family and friends. Guests are encouraged to attend both the service and the party if possible.

What time should I pick up my child if I am not attending the service/party?

Service pick-up time ~ 12:15-12:30pm. Party pick-up time ~ 11:30pm. The DJ will be doing some special end-of-the-evening activities and effects that your child won’t want to miss!