The Bar Mitzvah
Information About Bar Mitzvah Ceremony
The Bar Mitzvah Ceremony Outline
- We start with the drummers and shofars procession to the bar/t mitzvah location.
- We begin with putting tefillin.
- Explanation by the rabbi about the Bar Mitzvah ceremony and the Western Wall.
- Prayer (from prayer book).
- Carry the Torah.
- Reading the Torah.
- Parents say blessings.
- The bar mitzvah say their speech called a “drasha”.
What is Bar mitzvah?
Bar mitzvah is a Jewish coming of age ritual.
According to Jewish law, when a Jewish boy is 13 years old, he becomes accountable for his actions and becomes a adult.
When a Jewish boy turns 13, he has all the rights and obligations of a Jewish adult, including the commandments of the Torah. In the bible The age of 13 appears for instance as the age which must fast on Yom Kippur, while females fast from the age of 12.
In the bar mitzvah ceremony we start putting a Tefillin. The Tefillin are black leather boxes containing Hebrew parchment scrolls, worn by Jewish men and boys on a daily basis. A set includes two—one for the head and one for the arm. Each consists of three main components: the scrolls, the box and the strap.
Becoming Bar or Bat Mitzvah is a significant milestone in one's life and is even more memorable when celebrated in Israel!
Top Questions
Attending a Bar or Bat Mitzvah? Here’s the top questions people have.
What should I wear? People usually dress on the formal side. You have to buy a tallis and tefillin (If you want, you can also buy in Israel. You can ask us about recommended stores) At the Bar Mitzvah ceremony people are expected to cover their heads with kippas. (yarmulke)
When should I arrive? When should I arrive? Showing up precisely on time is unusual half an hour before the ceremony starting up.
What should I expect at the service? This varies. Some bar or bat mitzvahs lead the whole service, while others make a shorter speech. Some bar or bat mitzvahs read or chant in Hebrew from the Torah or Prophets. Parents will often say blessings, embarrass their child with some memories, and present gifts. Many congregations pelt the bar or bat mitzvah with candy to celebrate a job well done and then adjourn to the social hall for a kiddush, or lunch.
Okay, what do I do? Take a prayer book, along with a copy of the Torah readings. Often, an usher will help you out. Expect lots of standing and sitting and go with the flow. Rest assured you’re not the only person there without a clue.
What do kids do to prepare? Kids learn how to lead a service, carry a Torah, and chant from the Hebrew inside it. They write their speech called a “drasha” and often complete a mitzvah project. The rituals are simply turning 12 or 13 gets the job done, making them eligible Jewish adults Bar or Bat Mitzvahs. Now, they’re “legal” in the Jewish sense.
Anything else I should know? Yes! Taking pictures is usually frowned upon enjoy the moment instead. You can order a professional photographer instead. Photographers prices range from 800 to 2500 NIS. (You can ask us about recommended photographers)
Quill of the Heart
Every week, dozens of bar mitzvah boys from Israel and the Diaspora celebrate their rite of passage at the Kotel, also known as the Western Wall, which, after the Temple Mount, is Judaism’s holiest site. The Western Wall is a popular choice for Bar and Bat Mitzvah celebrations since it symbolizes Jewish spirit and heritage.
You can reserve your place today! Click here.
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To ensure a place, please book in advance. You may order up to a year and a half before a specific date.
For questions and more information: dolevgo@nioi.gov.il.