frequently asked questions
what is a Bat Mitzvah?
In simple terms, it’s a Jewish religious ceremony for a child who is either almost-13, or older.
The more complex explanation is that this 13-year-old leads the ceremony, signaling their growing maturity and transition towards adulthood. It’s also seen as participating in a generational chain of tradition, and a commitment to embodying important values such as prayer, education, charity, good deeds, and caring for one’s community and all who belong to it.
Technically, the event is not actually what is called the Bat Mitzvah. The person who is having the special ceremony is becoming a Bat Mitzvah. The terminology is: Bat Mitzvah (daughter of the commandment), Bar Mitzvah (son of the commandment), and B’nai Mitzvah (for those who identify as non-binary, and this is also the plural form).
At Rodef Sholom, a B’nai Mitzvah service lasts about one and a half (1-1/2) hours.
and what about the party?!
Typically, some sort of celebration happens after this big milestone event. In our case, first there will be a light luncheon immediately following the morning ceremony — because food helps us celebrate! And also because we take on the responsibility of feeding any other members of the congregation who have joined us for the ceremony. Then, we all go home to rest.
For Emmy’s special day, we’ll keep the celebrations coming with a Grammy-Award-themed party in the Social Hall at the temple. It will start at 5pm and will finish around 9:30pm. There will be snacks, appetizers, food stations for dinner, mocktails, cocktails, wine and more. There will be music, dancing, games, and even more fun (but we don’t want to spoil the surprises!).
Please come dressed to party like it’s a night at the Grammys—and don’t forget your dancing shoes!
what if I have questions about the details of emmy’s Bat Mitzvah weekend?
Email me!
ali_stone@mac.com
is there anything special that we should know about being inside a Jewish synagogue?
First off, “synagogue” is just another word for “temple,” where Jewish people come together. And while we’re at it, “sanctuary” is the word for the actual room within the temple where services are held.
There are some actions and behaviors that are not customary inside of the synagogue’s sanctuary. Here are some good ones to know:
Photography by the attendees (with a camera or a phone) is not allowed in the sanctuary during the service.
For a momentous occasion such as this, we typically show our respect for this spiritual place by dressing up a little more than normal for the ceremony (i.e. not casual dress; no shorts or sports jerseys or spaghtetti straps).
It’s also not customary to applaud in synagogue, so we shout out “Yasher Koach!” meaning “May your strength be firm!” when we want to show appreciation for a job well done.
do I have to participate in the ceremony?
Nope. Feel free to just watch, read along if you want, or sing if you feel so inclined.
However, when everyone is directed to sit or to stand, we ask that you please follow along and do whichever has been requested.
We will honor some of our family by (pre)inviting them to come up to the bimah (stage) to read an aliyah (short prayer). Don’t worry – if this is you, you’ll already know about it!