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A: A Bar or Bat Mitzvah is a ceremony that marks the beginning of the transitional period in a boy’s or girl’s life from child to adult. Literally meaning Son or Daughter of the Commandment, the Bar or Bat Mitzvah is also the age when a child becomes accountable for his or her actions before God. Typically held at age thirteen for a boy, and between twelve and thirteen for a girl, it is also a celebration for the child and family. Q: Why should my child have a Bar or Bat Mitzvah? A: There are many reasons for a child to have a Bar or Bat Mitzvah. The child who becomes a Bar or Bat Mitzvah publicly expresses a desire to embrace the Word of God, the ways of God as revealed in the Torah, and as understood and expressed by the Messiah Yeshua. The ceremony is also a means to identify with the Jewish culture and heritage that we claim as ours, either by birthright, or by being grafted in (Romans 11). Q: Who could have a Bar or Bat Mitzvah? A: All those with a heart-felt love for God, a desire to follow his ways, and who want to adopt a Jewish life-style could have a Bar or Bat Mitzvah. Q: What are the prerequisites for the child who will become a Bar or Bat Mitzvah? A: First, there must be a desire to have one, and the commitment to complete the other prerequisites. Second, there is a Bar or Bat Mitzvah curriculum, which ideally begins one year prior to the anticipated time of the ceremony. During that year, there will be several meetings with the Rabbi and/or Cantor. Third, the prospective Bar or Bat Mitzvah will be required, prior to the ceremony, to study the specific Torah portion, and prepare a speech, to be developed under the supervision of the Rabbi. Q: What does the curriculum include? A: The curriculum is divided into several sections. The first section gives an overview of the Bible. The books of the Bible, the order of the books, and their Hebrew names will be covered. The second section is an overview of the history of the Jewish people. The third section is a brief history of Emmanuel Messianic Jewish Congregation and Messianic Judaism. The fourth section will be an overview of various Jewish traditions, and how the Messiah interpreted them. The last section will introduce the Hebrew language, in particular, pronunciation and reading skills designed to enable the student to read from the Sefer Torah, the Torah scroll. This final section will include one-on-one instruction on an individual basis. Q: What does the ceremony consist of? A: Each week, a portion, or parsha, of the Torah is read aloud, along with a corresponding selection from the Haftarah (the Writings and Prophets), and the B’rit Hadasha (Renewed Covenant or New Testament). It is the Bar or Bat Mitzvah who chants some of the Torah and Haftarah, and reads the B’rit Hadasha selection. There is also some chanting of blessings expected of the Bar or Bat Mitzvah. Each ceremony can be, and should be, unique and customized to your wishes, while keeping within the framework of Jewish tradition. Q: How long before my child’s ceremony should we start preparing? A: The program is designed to begin one year before the anticipated date of the ceremony. At that time, a meeting is arranged between you, the Rabbi and/or Cantor, and your child. At that time, the commitment to begin is established, and the child will begin the preparation. Six months prior to the anticipated date, a second meeting is held with the Rabbi and/or Cantor to establish the preparedness of the student. It is at this time that the date will be finalized. The sending out of invitations is recommended at this point. From three months prior, up to the ceremony, the student will work closely with the Rabbi to develop a d’rash and a speech for the Bar or Bat Mitzvah ceremony. Q: Is there a charge for having the ceremony at Emmanuel? A: There is a cost involved. The amount is discussed at the first meeting with the Rabbi and/or Cantor. Q: Do I need to be a member of Emmanuel to have my son or daughter become a Bar or Bat Mitzvah at Emmanuel? A: Those families wishing to have the ceremony at Emmanuel will be required, at some point during the year preparation period, to apply for, and be accepted as members of Emmanuel Messianic Jewish Congregation. This is to show a commitment to the Messianic Jewish community, our congregation, and the Messianic Jewish lifestyle. Q: Can I still have a Bar or Bat Mitzvah even though I am an adult? A: Yes! There are many people today who are having Bar and Bat Mitzvah ceremonies as adults. For one reason or another, they did not have one as a child, and now feel strongly about their commitment to God and a Biblical Jewish lifestyle. They wish to demonstrate this in a Bar or Bat Mitzvah. The details of this are worked out with the Rabbi. Q: Who can I contact for more information? A: If you would like to have a Bar or Bat Mitzvah for your child, please talk to the Rabbi and/or the Cantor to set up an appointment .
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Q: What is a Bar or Bat Mitzvah?