For many people, this may be your first time celebrating a Bar Mitzvah! We hope this page answers your questions! But if you have more questions, please email us GellerCheneyBMitzvah@gmail.com
Bar Mitzvah Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Bar Mitzvah, anyway?
A Bar Mitzvah culminates years of Jewish study and preparation and marks the day that Noah will assume the responsibilities of Jewish adulthood. Boys have a “Bar” Mitzvah and girls have a “Bat” Mitzvah
What should I wear?
Synagogue services (Frid night & Saturday morning): Guests should dress as though they are attending an afternoon wedding, with modest dresses and skirts (with covered shoulders), dress slacks, suits, blazers, and dress shirts. No jeans.
Please set your cell phone to vibrate or turn it off. Using a cell phone, including taking pictures and videos with a camera in the sanctuary is not allowed.
The Saturday night party is cocktail attire.
What about the Kippah?
A kippah (KEEP-ah) or head covering, is traditionally worn by males during the service and may also be worn by women. Wearing a kippah is not a symbol of religious identification, but is rather an act of respect to G-d and the sacredness of the worship space. Just as men and women may be asked to remove their hats in the church, or remove their shoes before entering a mosque, wearing a head covering is a non-denominational act of showing respect in a synagogue
What time should I get there? How do the festivities unfold?
If you’re in town on Friday, March 22, please join us at our synagogue’s Erev Shabbat Services at 7:00 pm. The service will be our “Spirit of Shabbat” folk service, with music and dancing. Our family will help lead the services.
The ceremonial part (the main event) of the Bar Mitzvah starts promptly at 9:30am Saturday morning and last about 2½ hours. Lunch will be served at the conclusion of the service.
The reception at Hotel Washington will start at 6:00pm. Children may be picked up from the reception at 11pm.
I’m a newbie when it comes to all this – is that OK?
Yes! Adat Reyim is a welcoming Jewish synagogue, and our Rabbi explains the service as it unfolds. While some of the service will be in Hebrew, much will be in English making it easy to follow. Guests are present to support Noah and do not need to participate in the religious aspects of the ceremony.
Jewish worship services can be very active, filled with frequent directions to stand for particular prayers and sit for others. Take your cue from the other worshippers or the rabbi’s instructions. Unlike kneeling in a Catholic worship service–which is a unique prayer posture filled with religious significance–standing and sitting in a Jewish service does not constitute any affirmation of religious belief, it is merely a sign of respect. There may also be instructions to bow at certain parts of the service, and because a bow or prostration is a religiously significant act, feel free to remain standing or sitting as you wish at that point..
The reception is a big ol’ party with lots of food and fun.
I’m no Cousin Vinny… I want to blend. Any suggestions?
Ready to kvell (fill with joy)? A common greeting is “Shabbat Shalom,” which welcomes and celebrates the Sabbath. Wish Noah and his family a congratulatory “Mazel Tov.”
May I ask you a few more questions?
Yes! Please feel free to reach us at GellerCheneyBMitzvah@gmail.com if you have any questions or concerns.