What is Bar Mitzvah?
Bar Mitzvah translates from Hebrew into English as “son of commandment” and technically refers to the person being celebrated. In this case, Oliver has reached the age when he is allowed to read to the congregation from the Torah and fully participate in Shabbat services. He has studied hard, and we are all attending to celebrate this accomplishment.
What do I do at the service?
Start practicing your very best “I am so proud of you” faces. Other than that, you’re off the hook!
Will I understand?
At Temple de Hirsch Sinai, readings are done in Hebrew followed by English, as are any significant parts of the service, so you’ll be able to follow along. Pro-tip: the program opens right to left.
What do I wear?
For the service, there is no formal dress code, but casual clothes should be avoided. Think slacks and jackets (tie optional), and nice pants suit or dress. Yarmulkes are not required, but will be available at Temple de Hirsch Sinai for those who would like to wear one. For the party… well, that’s a different story. Time to have some fun in your most festive cocktail party fits and your very best vibes!
Glossary
bar mitzvah: bar mitz·vah /ˌbar ˈmitsvə/
”son of commandment” or a boy who has reached the age of religious maturity in Jewish tradition.
Torah: To·rah /ˈtōrə,ˈtôrə/
(in Judaism) the first five books of the Hebrew scriptures. Oliver will be reading a passage from Genesis, which is the first of these five books.
rabbi: rab·bi /ˈraˌbī/
a person appointed as a Jewish religious leader.
bema: be·ma /ˈbēmə/
sometimes spelled bimah, it is the podium or platform in a synagogue from which the Torah and Prophets are read.
ark: /ark/
receptacle for storing the scrolls in a synagogue. The Torah scroll will be removed from the ark and enter into a procession before Oliver reads his portion.
yad: /yād/
translated as “hand” from Hebrew, it is a ritual pointer, or stylus, popularly known as a Torah pointer, used by the reader to follow the text during the Torah reading from the parchment scrolls. It is often shaped like a long rod, capped by a small hand with its index finger pointing from it.
yarmulke: /yar·mul·ke/ˈyäməlkə,ˈyäməkə/
a skullcap worn in public by Orthodox Jewish men or during prayer by other Jewish men.