Bar/Bat Mitzvah: Teachers of Torah, Leaders of Prayer
“We come together this Shabbat to celebrate a special moment in the life of our congregation.” These words, part of the blessing we recite over our young people on the occasion of a Bar or Bat Mitzvah, include within them the joy and pride of a current accomplishment – and the promise of future commitment. Our B’nai Mitzvah (plural of Bar/Bat Mitzvah) see themselves as part of a chain of tradition – and see this day not as an end, but the beginning of a new level of Jewish life. They serve, indeed, as “teachers of Torah” and “leaders of prayer”: taking a role in leading the liturgy of the service, as well as delving into both the history of an ancient text and its application in our lives today. For further information on our Bar/Bat Mitzvah Program, contact Ilene Friedman, Lifecycle Coordinator at .
Adult Bar/Bat Mitzvah: It’s Never Too Late
Jewish tradition says that we begin “counting” our lives again once we turn 70. So for the 83-year olds among us, it is time to celebrate Bar/Bat Mitzvah all over again. For those individuals who never had the opportunity to become Bar or Bat Mitzvah when they turned 13, you can choose to have one later in life and we will provide you with that opportunity at Congregation Kol Ami. For Jews-by-choice, for women raised in a tradition which did not treat girls equally, for those who were raised without formal Jewish education, or for any of a number of other reasons, many adults are choosing to go through a cycle of learning and study, preparation and personal growth that leads to this powerful and deeply moving celebration of Jewish accomplishment. Those interested in finding out more about the Adult Bar or Bat Mitzvah program at Kol Ami should contact Rabbi Weiner at or call 301.228.9409.
