Becoming a Bar/Bat Mitzvah

At the age of 13, Jewish children become a Bar Mitzvah (“son of the commandment”) or Bat Mitzvah (“daughter of the commandment”), signifying their transition into Jewish adulthood. In ancient times, this milestone marked the moment a child took on religious responsibilities. Today, the term refers to the sacred ceremony during which a young person leads parts of the Shabbat service and reads from the Torah, publicly demonstrating their learning, growth, and commitment to Jewish life.

At Temple Emanuel, we are honored to share in this profound and joyous milestone with you. We believe the Bar/Bat Mitzvah journey is not only about the child—it’s an opportunity for the entire family to learn and grow together.  As you study, talk and learn together, you will enrich your family’s experience of this wonderful family tradition.

Becoming B’nai Mitzvah (“children of the commandment”) is both a major achievement and a meaningful beginning. It reflects years of dedication to Hebrew and liturgical study, while also marking the start of a lifelong journey of Jewish learning and living. Choosing to become a B’nai Mitzvah is a powerful affirmation of Jewish identity and an opportunity to strengthen your connection to Temple Emanuel and the wider Jewish world.

During the Bar/Bat Mitzvah service, our students lead prayers, read or chant from the Torah and/or Haftarah, offer personal insights on the weekly Torah portion, and present their Mitzvah projects—all before their family, friends, and community. We recognize and celebrate the uniqueness of each student, encouraging them to participate in ways that reflect their individual strengths, interests, and abilities.

For Our Guests

If you are joining us as a guest for a Bar or Bat Mitzvah at Temple Emanuel, we warmly welcome you. Your presence helps make this day even more meaningful for the student and their family. Whether you are familiar with Jewish traditions or experiencing them for the first time, we invite you to share in the joy of this milestone and to participate to the extent you feel comfortable. We invite you to join in song, prayer, and celebration as we honor the hard work, growth, and commitment of a young person stepping into Jewish adulthood.