Bar/Bat Mitzvah

Bar/Bat Mitzvah (literally “son/daughter of the Commandment") marks the point where a person assumes responsibility for his or her Jewish observance. This achievement is the result of study of Judaism and the ability to read and chant in Hebrew. Traditionally, a ceremony takes place at age thirteen in which the celebrant participates in the service and reads a Torah and Haftarah portion.

At Temple Har Zion, children aged thirteen who meet the educational requirements of a minimum of five years of attendance at our school may be called to the Torah as a Bar/Bat Mitzvah. Cantor Littman (or another tutor, when required) works with the students to prepare them to chant their Torah and Haftarah portions, relevant blessings and the prayers they will lead during the service. Rabbi Weiss helps them to prepare their Divrei Torah (commentary on their Torah portion).

Adult B’nai Mitzvah

The Temple provides opportunities for adults who never celebrated a Bar or Bat Mitzvah at age thirteen to study and participate in this experience. It is a two-year commitment to study and culminates in a special service led by the participants.