BAR/BAT MITZVAH

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Bar/Bat Mitzvah students are moving from childhood to adulthood, from learning to be responsible to being responsible. As son or daughter of the commandments, you commit yourself to be proud membership in our ancient people.

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Bar and Bat Mitzvah is a coming of age ceremony -- which is the Jewish expression of the universal impulse to acknowledge a young person's transition from childhood to the beginning of the path to adulthood.  It is an opportunity for parents to reflect on the meaning of their role as parents, and to honor the young person's achievements and increasing independence.  It is a celebration of identity -- both that which is bequeathed by parents, and that which is discovered and embraced by the adolescent.  In becoming a Bar/Bat Mitzvah we emphasize the importance of "Mitzvah" which is both a commandment and a good deed.  The Bar/Bat mitzvah becomes subject to the demands of Mitzvah -- of being responsible for his/her own spiritual and ethical direction.  Keeping the focus on this aspect of the preparation, helping the young person become a leader and example to others, adds deep significance to this process and takes pressure off the "performance" aspect of the day of the ceremony.

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To celebrate Bar and Bat Mitzvah at Temple Tiferet Shalom, students must be enrolled in our Religious School program beginning in Grade 3 unless previously enrolled in a school at another congregation. Please contact our Head of Religious School, Tracy Cranson, with any questions.