the Bat Mitzvah Service
Becoming an Adult
Within the Jewish tradition, Aviv became a Bat Mitzvah or “daughter of the commandment” when she turned 12. This recognizes that Aviv is now responsible for herself and has become an adult within the tradition.
To celebrate the occasion, she will fulfill the mitzvah of reading Torah during the morning service on Shabbat. Aviv will spend many months preparing for this service. She will read a portion or parshah from the Torah in Hebrew, will lead some of the prayers, and will also chant Haftorah before delivering a D’var Torah (a short speech in English that reflects on the Torah and Haftorah portions).
Shabbat Services
Prayer services will begin at 9:45 a.m. The Torah service will begin between 10:15 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. with the opening of the Ark and then the Torah is paraded through the synagogue. Jewish services are long and many people come late. Noa and her immediate family will be at the synagogue early for morning prayers. The official sanctuary service will begin at 9:30 a.m. but many people will not come until 10:00 am. Please be in your seats by 10:00 or you will miss many of the things Aviv has worked so hard to prepare.
The Torah Service
During the Torah service, there are eight Torah readings in all, each chanted in Hebrew by a Jewish adult. For each reading, a Jewish honoree(s) is called up to give a short blessing before and after the portion. This is called an Aliyah. Aviv will read several of these eight portions and be honored with the eighth and final aliyah.
Once the Torah reading is complete, Aviv will chant her Haftorah portion (also in Hebrew) before giving her D’var Torah.
The Torah will be paraded again before it is put away. The Rabbi will also give a D’var Torah (sermon) and announcements will be made before concluding prayers (called the Musaf service).
What do I need to know if I’ve never been to Jewish services?
when you arrive
You should be greeted by an usher when you enter. You may be greeted by “Shabbat Shalom”. This means good or peaceful sabbath. The proper response is to reply “Shabbat Shalom.”
The usher will direct you to the sanctuary and provide programs, kippot (traditional head-coverings) and candy (for throwing a little later).
All men should cover their head with a kippah (singular of kippot). Women are welcome to wear a kippah, or a lace circle folded in quarters, or simply not cover their head. Kippot and lace circles are both located on the front table with the programs.
Grab some candy! It is customary to throw the candy at the Bat Mitzvah girl near the end of the Torah Service. It’s after her D’var Torah and her parent’s speak. The rabbi and other congregants will cue you. Children are invited to collect and eat the candy after it is thrown.
The only reserved seats are the front center rows. You may sit where you like.
The Services
In observance of Shabbat please refrain from the following: writing, cutting, the handling of money, and turning lights on/off. Please do not take pictures or use any electronic devices including your cell phone. If you need to check your phone, please step outside.
Jewish values embrace the concept of modesty, generally translating to the covering of knees and shoulders. You will notice this standard is not strictly adhered to but anyone who will be standing on the stage should have their shoulders covered.
For attendees with small kids, there is a small relatively sound-proof room to the back left of the sanctuary when walking in. This room possesses some toys but we’d recommend bringing some of your own. Please remember electronics are not to be used in the synagogue during services.
End of Prayers & Lunch
Services will end at approximately 12:30 p.m. and will be followed by the Kiddush Lunch in which everyone at the synagogue is welcome to attend. Kiddush begins with ceremonial (but short) prayers over wine and bread. Our synagogue also usually has shots of whiskey for those of age to partake.