Bar (son of) and Bat (daughter of) Mitzvah (Commandment) refers to someone who is now taking his or her place in the community of Jewish adults.  Becoming a Jewish adult, a Bar or Bat Mitzvah, is automatic, whether or not one participates in a ceremony marking this passage into ritual adulthood. According to Jewish tradition, it happens when a girl reaches twelve years and a day and when a boy becomes thirteen. From this time forth, the Bar/t Mitzvah is obligated to the laws of Judaism, can be called to the Torah to bless the Torah reading and otherwise participate fully as a Jewish adult in ritual matters. The terms Bar and Bat Mitzvah are used to refer both to the child/young adult, as well as to a service in which one may mark this transition to Jewish adulthood.

Congregation Etz Chayim believes that Bar/t Mitzvah (meaning Bar or Bat Mitzvah) is just the beginning of being an adult member of the Jewish community.  The skills the students learn in preparation for their Bar/t Mitzvah (service leading, Hebrew reading, Torah and Haftarah chanting) are of great  value to our congregation and the Jewish community at large. Our goal is to create competent congregants who we hope and expect will continue to be active in Jewish life well beyond their 13th birthday.

In fact, in the future, the Bar/t Mitzvah will be called upon periodically to read from the Torah, have an aliyah, or provide other forms of ritual leadership. It is our expectation that the young adult will recognize this as both an honor and a responsibility, and, with the support of the family, will be committed to assuming such a role.  The Bar/t Mitzvah is also encouraged to demonstrate a commitment to Jewish life and values by continuing his/her Jewish education past the point of becoming Bar/t Mitzvah.  The student will do a Tikkun Olam project and be encouraged to contribute to a tzedakkah fund during the year prior to his or her Bar/t Mitzvah. 

At Congregation Etz Chayim, the Bar/t Mitzvah is part of our regular Shabbat morning service. We say that the service invites the Bar/t Mitzvah, not the other way around!  The Bar/t Mitzvah service has the same structure, uses the same prayer book, and meets in the synagogue, just as any other regularly scheduled service. 

Click here for more information on our Bar/t Mitzvah education program.