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When & Where to Celebrate Bar and Bat Mitzvah
Reform Perspective by Rivka C. Berman

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The synagogue/temple is a popular choice for the services of the Bar and Bat Mitzvah. This choice is common, because the temple is where the community comes together to continue the traditions and mission of the Jewish people.

However, there’s more to Judaism than the temple. Judaism is not limited by walls. Wherever Jews gather there is the potential for holiness. Hence, if you want to be different, more creative, or have a sense of fun that needs expression, just get ten adult Jews for a minyan and a Torah, and host a bat mitzvah service anywhere. On a mountaintop at Sun Rise, on the waterfront towards evening, or at the Kotel (Western Wall) in Israel.

Set the Date
Traditionally, the Jewish date of birth was the day people celebrated their bar and bat mitzvah.  However, given the busy lives and hectic schedules of family and friends, setting the date for the party and services must be done with consideration.

So plan ahead. Synagogues don’t want to be looked upon as bar mitzvah factories, where kids come to celebrate their big day and never return again. Many have instituted a year or two year education requirement as a prerequisite for a bat mitzvah in their sanctuary.

Some synagogues are so popular that they begin setting bar mitzvah dates two or three years in advance. To avoid battles for “good” dates in other congregations, bat mitzvah times are randomly assigned. Doubling up for the popular Saturday morning Shabbat service is not unusual either. Give your synagogue a call now. 

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