Bar and Bat Mitzvahs

B'nai MitzvahA milestone in the life of a Jewish person is the celebration of a Bar Mitzvah or Bat Mitzvah. This traditionally represents entering adulthood, as in recognizing the great potential of the honouree to do mitzvot and assume a leadership role.

A Bar/Bat Mitzvah generally includes reading from Torah and Haftarah, offering a D’var Torah (teaching) and leading the congregation in prayer.

At Temple Israel we pride ourselves in celebrating as a communal family this important rite. Over our history we have cherished many Bar/Bat Mitzvahs for children with special needs. We hold our Bar/Bat Mitzvahs at the Temple as part of our Shabbat morning services.

Temple Israel Religious School supports students in their Bar or Bat Mitzvah journey. The Grade 7 B’nai Mitzvah Year: “Me, My Judaism, My Community” is broken up into 3 focus areas of study:

  1. Bar/Bat Mitzvah Boot Camp: A great opportunity for students to sharpen their understanding of the deeper meaning of the synagogue service.
  2. Holocaust: An in-depth study of the Holocaust.
  3. Jewish Identity – Seventh grade is often a time of searching for self-understanding. We will explore what becoming a Jewish adult really means.

Download our B’nai Mitzvah Information Booklet

Adult B'nai MitzvahIt’s Never Too Late – Do You Want an Adult Bar or Bat Mitzvah?

Often we celebrate Bar/Bat Mitzvah’s at the age of 13, but we can alternatively do so at a later stage or even as an adult.

If you’re interested in exploring a spring B. Mitzvah as an adult, please drop Rabbi Mikelberg a note  to rabbimikelberg@templeisraelottawa.com. We’re putting together a class that will meet on Sunday mornings starting in November to prepare for a spring simchah. We’ll study Torah stories, learn Hebrew, and navigate Judaism today! Basic Hebrew is required, but we can certainly brush up your skills if necessary!

reformjudaism.org has more information about the origins of the Bar/Bat Mitzvah.