Bar/Bat Mitzvah
By: Becky, Ryleigh, Jeff
Bar Mitzvah and Bat Mitzvah
The Bar and Bat Mitzvah is celebrated at the Synagogue. The father of the son or daughter recites a blessing and then the son or daughter reads and chants from the Torah. Following the service the congregation joins the family in a Kiddush(small lunch).
The most known feature of the bar/bat mitzvah is the reception this is held on the birthday. There is a party with food, music and dancing. During the Mitzvah celebration the young person gives a speech with some thoughts from the Torah. There is also a gift given at the celebration. A Tzedakah (or charity) box is a popular gift. A Tzedakah box can be placed somewhere so change can be dropped in it each day. The money can then be given to support a Jewish school or institution. Other gifts would be a religious book or item or monetary gifts.
There is a special child-parent dance and then the hora. A hora is a fast paced dance, during the dance the young person is raised up while they are sitting in a chair. The guests then circle around them and dance.
A variety of kosher foods are served at the bar/bat mitzvah reception. Kosher food is no pork/pork products, no shellfish, and no mixing of dairy and meat. A special bread called Challah is blessed at the beginning of the celebration. After the blessing it is then sliced and shared with close relatives. There is also a toast given by the parents of the young person.
FACTS
Bar/bat mitzvah is actually a status not an event. Bar/bat mitzvah automatically happens when a young person turns 12 or 13. Just as their bodies are changing at this time so is their souls. A new level of soul comes into awareness at this time.