We know that many of our friends are not familiar with Jewish lifecycle events and we'd like to help explain the rituals and event!
When a Jewish child turns 13 (sometimes 12 for girls), they have reached the point in their lives when they are ready to observe the mitzvot (commandments) on their own. Bar (or bat or bas) mitzvah literally translates to "son (or daughter) of mitzvah". The day Ethan turns 13, he becomes a bar mitzvah, but we won't be celebrating the milestone with the community until the weekend of March 13th. Colloquially, when we say "Ethan's Bar Mitzvah", we're talking about him leading the Shabbat service, the first time he is called to read from the Torah, and the celebration that follows. But he will count towards a minyan (group of 10 adult Jews required for prayer) as of February 8th.
The Torah is the five books of Moses written in Hebrew in a hand-written parchment scroll. The Torah is one of the most sacred objects in Judaism. We read the entire Torah each year with a dedicated portion each week. The Hebrew in the Torah does not contain any vowels, making it even more challenging to read. Because the ink on the parchment is so fragile, Ethan will use a tool called a "yad" to help him follow along while he is reading his parsha (the selected lines of Torah from this week's Torah portion). Ethan will be reading from the portion called "Ki tavo."
Shabbat is the Jewish day of rest, observed each week from Friday sundown to Saturday sundown. Traditionally, Jews refrain from work and spend the day in study, prayer, or relaxation. While our congregation typically only conducts one service during Shabbat (Friday night), we will conduct evening, morning, and havdalah (concluding) services.
The "little hat" is called a kippah (Hebrew, pronounced KEE-pah) or a yarmulke (Yiddish, pronounced yahl-meh-kah). It is traditionally worn by men to show that G-d is always above us. In our congregation, both men & women are encouraged to wear one, although it is optional in both cases. We will have kippah available to wear if you wish and you may take it with you after the service. If you choose to wear one, we ask that you wear it while you are inside of Temple Beth Israel.
Jewish adults (traditionally, men) wear a prayer shawl called a tallit (tah-LEET) or tallis (tah-liss) during morning prayer services. This shawl has a fringed edge which is a reminder of the many mitzvot a Jewish adult must follow. Ethan will now be allowed to wear a tallit as an adult member of the Jewish community. Only Jewish adults (men or women) can wear a tallit.
Business or business casual would be appropriate for adults. Kids would be fine with a buttoned shirt/polo/blouse and slacks or khakis. If you'd wear it to church, it's probably ok. Smart casual is fine for the evening party.
Jewish houses of worship have increasingly been the targets of anti-Semitic attacks and crime. We have security guards in and around the building to ensure a safe place for us and our guests. Please be sure to enter the building using the Furnace Avenue entrances.
A kiddush luncheon is an opportunity to gather with friends and family immediately following the Bar Mitzvah service and do something very Jewish–eat! The luncheon will consist of a dairy meal including platters of bagels, cream cheese, lox, egg salad, tuna salad, fruit salad, and some sweets. It's a low-key moment for everyone to socialize and catch their breath before continuing on with the day.