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Bat and Bat Mitzvah Celebrations - Page 1
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| Bar and Bat Mitzvah Celebrations |
Author: The Editors (---.ne.mediaone.net)
Date: 05-18-00 15:22
Discussion question: What did you include in a mailing to your non-Jewish relatives to explain the bar or bat mitzvah? |
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| Testing the forum |
Author: Mac McCuller (---.sdsl.cais.net)
Date: 05-25-00 11:01
Please ignore this posting!
This is a test by the technology team.
The Editors wrote:
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Discussion question: What did you include in a mailing to your non-Jewish relatives to explain the bar or bat mitzvah? |
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| bar/bat mizvah text |
Author: B.Kaldenbach (145.36.248.---)
Date: 01-18-01 05:22
In preparing for our older daughter's bat mitzvah two years ago, I found it important to prepare a very clear and simple text explaining exactly what happens during the services on Friday and Saturday, and what she would be doing in them. It was for the Jewish family members from the US (we live abroad) as well as a bat mitzvah is not the same in every synagogue in terms of what the child may and may not do.
I looked first on internet to see how bar/bat mitzvah was explained as well as at texts already drawn up by various families in our shul.Then I wrote the first of three versions of the text to be used. I tried to explain what happens, when and why. The text took the visitor from the moment they pass through the gates of our shul, through to where they leave their coat, where yalmulkas and pryaer books are found. I mentioned which books are used and why. I defined every term I could think of and included a synopsis of the parasha, as well as the haftorah.
I showed our text to my daughter's tutor, Hebrew school teacher and our rabbi, and then translated it so that I had it in Dutch as well as English.
By putting it into two columns, I got the entire text on one sheet both sides, which I sent out with the invitations.
I have also made the text available to other congregation memebers. |
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| test |
Author: IFF editor (---.ne.mediaone.net)
Date: 12-13-01 15:56
This posting is a test of software. |
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| Bar Mitzvah explanations |
Author: Debi T. (---.hamden1.ct.home.com)
Date: 01-30-02 23:07
hi
Yes I provided close family with lots of coaching and a some xeroxes of a chapter from a book that I thought was helpful and clear. I went out of my way to explain to a close family member that THIS was a day when we really wanted and needed them to join us, regardless of their personal opinions or family disagreements. I explained that YES we hoped they would drive the two hours to join us if at all possible and that my son was really proud of his accomplishments.
Also, about a week before my RSVP's were due, I made up a letter to all the children who had responded yes (and a few who hadnt responded at all, as a kind of HINT HINT you still need to respond please!). It included driving directions, a quick note to the parents that described the essence and length of the ceremony, asking them to prepare their children and thanked them for planning to be "with us" for our joyful and proud day.
I didnt give any suggestions for dress code, but I did add a suggestion that the young ladies who were wearing panty hose might like a pair of socks and/or boxers/shorts to pull on so they could relax and enjoy the dancing.
I also explained a few simple get through the door questions (kippahs, starting right on time, etc.) for the children who have no background at all. BTW, I got quite a few thank you phone calls from those parents for having sent that letter, both for the reminder/directions AND for the brief explanations. . . I think the parents were as worried about their children's concerns, questions and behaviors as I was! I think that broaching the subject up front was a great way to handle it, and I personally have to thank the mom who suggested I do this!
On that day, I also will have information in booklet form, explaining the service, traditions, prayers and the words to at least on Hebrew song (transliteration) so that everyone can sing.
Hope this helps someone else get organized!
Debi T. |
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| the mom who suggested it |
Author: Susan (---.as5.nwbl0.wi.voyager.net)
Date: 01-31-02 10:48
I think Debi T is referring to B. Kaldenbach's message #4. I think they both offer very good advice. B. Kaldenbach made an excellent point that not even all Jews will know what to expect, because there is such a variety of Jewish practice. (this is especially true at a bat mitzvah). I found that some of our Jewish guests were as clueless about what would happen at my daughter's bat mitzvah as some of the gentile guests. We actually made up multiple inserts with our invitations. We made a map for out-of-towners with hotel locations and directions. We also wrote a letter for our non-Jewish friends and family (and utterly uninformed Jews, unfortunately!) explaining the service. Before I sent it out, I let my gentile sister-in-law and a Jew-by-choice friend review it. The friend's input was especially helpful. There was another insert for our daughter's [day school] classmates to deal with special concerns regarding Shabbat and dietary accomodations and parent pick up time and also to remind them about appropriate synagogue conduct and attire dress, It involved some extra work on my part, but it all paid off. |
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In modern Jewish practice, Jewish boys come of age at 13. When a boy comes of age, he is officially a Bar Mitzvah ("son of the commandments"). The term is commonly used as a short-hand for the Bar Mitzvah\'s coming-of-age ceremony and/or celebration. The female equivalent is "Bat Mitzvah."
In modern Jewish practice, Jewish girls come of age at 12 or 13. When a girl comes of age, she is officially a Bat Mitzvah (\'daughter of the commandments\'). The term is commonly used as a short-hand for the Bat Mitzvah\'s coming-of-age ceremony and/or celebration. The male equivalent is "Bar Mitzvah."
People who attend and worship at a given synagogue.
A selection from the books of Prophets that is read following the weekly Torah portion. There is a HafTorah for each Torah portion.
The language of Judaism. Used in prayer in most synagogues and the official language of the state of Israel. Also refers to Jews, especially before they entered Israel and were given the Torah, as in "the ancient Hebrews."
One of 54 sections of the Torah read in order on a weekly basis throughout the year.
Spiritual leader and teacher. Typically, but not always, leads a congregation.
The Jewish Sabbath, from sunset on Friday to sunset on Saturday.
"Synagogue" in Yiddish.
Place of Jewish worship, referring to both the room where it occurs and the building where it occurs. Colloquially referred to as "temple."
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