Ceremony

A Bar Mitzvah is a rite of passage that happens when a Jewish child turns thirteen, the age at which Jewish law says they become active and responsible members of society.

Micah will lead parts of the service, reading directly from the Torah for the first time and delivering a speech about his Torah portion. 

Because Micah's Bar Mitzvah is at the beginning of the Jewish year, Micah's Torah portion is the very first one, from Genesis, the story of creation.

A step up from what you wear to school or on weekends. Pants, collared shirts, & dresses are all appropriate. A suit and tie would also be appropriate (Micah will wear one), but certainly not required. Please keep in mind that this is a religious event, so athletic wear or anything revealing/ flashy should be avoided.

Most Jewish males will wear a head covering called a kippah or yarmulke. This is entirely optional. We will have a basket of kippahs at the temple for those who wish to wear one. 

You are welcome to attend the celebration, even if you cannot attend the service. That said, this is beautiful and meaningful event for Micah, so we would love to have you join us (jews and non-jews).

The ceremony will last ~90 minutes. We plan to start promptly at 10:30am. The service should be finished by noon and then we will have the Kiddush (see below). Parents should plan to pick up their children between 12:15pm - 12:45pm.

It's a Jewish event - of course, we are going to feed you!! The service will be followed by a 'kiddush' (bagels and refreshments) at the synagogue. 

Thank you to Micah's grandparents: Arleen Bloom and Susan & Steve Silverstein for hosting the kiddush!

If this is your first Bar Mitzvah, you will not be alone. Our hope is for everyone to feel welcomed and comfortable to celebrate Micah, regardless of religious beliefs (or non-belief). Please feel free to participate in ways that feel comfortable for you!

The rabbi and Micah will lead the service and provide guidance. Services include standing, sitting, reading, singing and listening. Standing and sitting in a Jewish service is merely a sign of respect and does not imply any religious belief. We encourage you to take your cue from others to sit and stand with us, and to hum along as we sing. 

Micah has spent months preparing for this event, so we appreciate you being respectful:

1) Refrain from talking or whispering during the service

2) Keep this a cell phone free zone - cell phones should be kept out of sight. No photos. No texting.

Mitzvah Projects are an opportunity for students to put their Jewish values and identity into practice through a social action or community service project. Micah chose to volunteer with Hamotzi - a Sherith Israel program which provides meals for people and organizations in need.

As part of his project, Micah volunteered by cooking, assembling and delivering meals to community members in need. He also created a new website for the Hamotzi program, making it easier for volunteers to understand and sign up for volunteer opportunities.

Yes! So glad you asked! Micah's Bar Mitzvah will be live-streamed and available on YouTube here:

Live stream of Micah's Bar Mitzvah