Bar Mitzvah/ Bat Mitzvah
Click here for photos of one of our Bar Mitzvahs. Click here for photos of one of our Bat Mitzvahs.
Bar Mitzvah, Son of the Commandment and Bat Mitzvah, Daughter of the Commandment, is a special coming of age ceremony. We hope to instill within our children the value of Biblical learning and moral responsibility.
The bar or bat mitzvah ceremony is not required, and does not fulfill any commandment. The bar or bat mitzvah is a relatively modern innovation, not even mentioned in the Talmud. The elaborate ceremonies and receptions that are commonplace today were unheard of as recently as a century ago. Although it is not mentioned in the Bible, it is not forbidden either. At Yeshuat Yisrael we believe that it can be an important transition from childhood to adolescent. It can also help the youth in our congregation to gain maturity with responsibility.
For those who attend Congregation Yeshuat Yisrael, we hope to provide for our children's spiritual needs. We believe that every person and every congregation is in a learning process. If you attend our services we hope your child would have the desire to become a Bar Mitzvah.
Here are some of our ideas regarding Bar and Bat Mitzvah Training and preparation and the ceremony itself. While this is not the entire content of what is required these are some of the guidelines that might be used to prepare your child to earn the title of Bar or Bat Mitzvah.
1. Hebrew learning is essential to any Bar Mitzvah. We do not require the Bar Mitzvah to know Hebrew fluently, but he should be able to read a prayers and selected verses from the Torah Portion. We will make every effort to help in their Hebrew education, but most of the learning will be the responsibility of the child and their parents.
2. In addition to Hebrew learning there are certain other Bible learning requirements that are required. One requirement is scripture memory. Essential passages in Messianic Judaism is Isaiah 53, and Romans 9,10,11.
3. Also each candidate should spend ample time studying various topics including Religious and Israel studies. We would require the candidate to do a few reports on subjects like; the State of Israel, or a particular person or book of the Bible.
4. Preparation of a sermon to be based on the Torah Portion he or she will be reading.
5. Also an approved Mitzvah project for the candidate to take on the responsibility of Tukkun Olam, repairing the world.
This might include the following; helping with a canned food drive, helping the needy at the rescue mission, helping with younger children or the elderly. This "Mitzvah Project" will be the idea of the candidate.
Any child from the ages of 12-20 are potential candidates for the Bar Mitzvah. If you are interested in your child becoming a Bar Mitzvah then please let Rabbi Ken know. Before the process begins, we would require faithful attendance for at least 6 months before we would even consider a Bar Mitzvah. There would be a six month process of preparation. Also invitations should not be sent out until the completion of the required projects.
What is in it for the Bar or Bat Mitzvah Candidate?
If you have ever been to a Bar Mitzvah you would realize that it is a great honor and privilege to read the Torah Scroll. The reception is a lot of fun and those attending generally honor the Bar Mitzvah with gifts. It is a nice celebration for the candidate, his family and everyone involved in the synagogue.
Click here for photos of one of our Bar Mitzvahs. Click here for photos of one of our Bat Mitzvahs.