FAQ

We are so honored to have you join us! We realize you may have more than a few questions, especially if you haven’t been to a Bar or Bat Mitzvah before. Here’s a little more information:

  1. What is this, exactly? A Bar (male) or Bat (Female) Mitzvah is when one officially is recognized as a member of the adult Jewish community. While technically Jewish kids become a Bar or Bat Mitzvah when they wake up the morning of their 12th (female) or 13th (male) birthday, it is customary to signify this occasion by leading a service and reading from the Torah for the first time.
  2. What do I need to know about the service? The service begins at 9:30 am and will end around 12:30pm. Dinah will lead several parts of the service, but one of the most significant parts is when she reads from the Torah. The Torah reading begins around 10:15, so while you do not need to arrive right at 9:30am, please do arrive by 10:00. In addition to leading the congregation in many prayers and reading from the Torah, Dinah will give a sermon – called a D’var Torah – based on the portion of the Torah that will be read that day. Parts of the service will be in English and parts will be in Hebrew, and there will be times when the congregation will be asked to stand. Don’t worry, the Rabbi or Dinah will tell you what to do!
  3. Are there any rules I need to follow? Men and boys are required to wear a head covering called a kippah (also called a yarmulke). We will have them available at the entrance to the sanctuary. For women and girls, a kippah is optional. Cell phones should be turned off when entering the synagogue building, as no electronic devices (including cameras) can be used in the building on the Sabbath. Yes, this means you cannot take pictures at the synagogue. Congregants are used to non-Jewish folks attending a Bat Mitzvah so do not feel shy about asking someone for guidance if you aren’t sure what is going on. There are greeters as you come into the building who will tell you where to go, what prayer books you need, etc.
  4. So there is a service in the morning followed by a luncheon, and then that evening there is a dinner and dancing party? Yes! You are invited because you are important to us. Please know we are inviting you to all of the celebration, both synagogue and party. We can’t wait to celebrate with you!
  5. What should I wear? For the service, anything you would wear to your own religious service should be fine! Women should wear something that covers their shoulders, and men should dress business casual – collared shirt and either jacket or tie. For the dinner party, the attire is dressy. Think cocktail dress, jumpsuits, dress shirt, etc. Dinah says “nice, but not super nice.”
  6. Still have questions? Please email KaraAnne at kgrodin@outlook.com