BAR/BAT MITZVAH
coming of age in Jewish life
Bar/Bat Mitzvah celebrates the developmental passage from the end of childhood to an emerging adulthood. Bar/Bat Mitzvah is what a child is, not what a child does. A girl becomes a bat mitzvah at the age of 12; a boy becomes a bar mitzvah at the age of 13. The ceremony of Bar/Bat Mitzvah is a public affirmation of identity. Providing your child with a coming-of-age ceremony in Israel establishes an indelible connection to Israel and the Jewish People that will help define who she or he is.
The ceremony we will create together will celebrate this important milestone with your child reading from the sacred scroll of the Torah, leading the congregation in prayer, and teaching words of Torah. Rabbi Netter will be available to you through the magic of Skype, or can work together with your local clergy or tutor to prepare your child for their special day.
coming of age in jewish life
CHOOSING A VENUE
As part of your family tour of Israel, which can bring you to the north, center or south of Israel, you can dedicate a Monday or Thursday (the weekdays on which the Torah is read in a public forum) to celebrating your simha. Many people choose Robinson's Arch at the southern excavations of the Temple Mount in Jerusalem, or the synagogue at the top of Masada (these sites, as can be imagined, are very busy during peak travel seasons). There are many beautiful settings in Israel which can host the ceremony, all of which are spectacular. The Israel Nature and Parks Authority makes national archaeological sites available for rent for ceremonies (click here for information). Non-Orthodox synagogues will make their sanctuaries available for those who prefer an active shul setting. We can explore many options together.
DESIGNING THE SERVICE
Rabbi Netter will provide all the prayerbooks for your guests and the Sefer Torah from which to read. Together we can design a service: deciding approximate length, amount of Hebrew and/or English, parts to be led by your child, parts to distribute as honors, and the like. We can also design and produce an individualized prayerbook that is customized for your service and can serve as gifts for everyone in your group as a perpetual reminder of this significant moment.
PREPARING YOUR CHILD
Rabbi Netter will coordinate with your local clergy and/or tutor to monitor the progress of the preparation, or would be delighted to work directly with your child on the Torah reading and speech if that is your preference. Lessons will take place over Skype or WhatsApp (two miracles of modern technology!).