The Bar & Bat Mitzvah is the moment in the Jewish life cycle that most deeply defines who Jews are as a people. The Bat & Bar Mitzvah ceremony celebrates the link in an unbroken chain of thousands of years of Jewish tradition. The words Bar & Bat Mitzvah literally mean “Son & Daughter of the Mitzvah.” In addition to meaning “commandment” the word Mitzvah also means “connection.” When a child reaches to the age of Bat & Bar Mitzvah, she/he assumes a greater maturity in her/his connection to Torah and Mitzvot, to her/his own Jewish identity, to the Jewish people as a whole, and to G‑d.
According to the Torah, a Bar & Bat Mitzvah is a young man who has reached the age of 13 and a young woman who has reached the age of 12 (the beginning of her 13th year). Our sages teach that at the age of 13 young men and women are endowed with a greater capacity for both seeking to do good and seeking selfish pursuits. This age marks the young adult’s arrival at the crossroads of moral and spiritual decision making that is engaged in by mature adults. As a community we celebrate the Bat & Bar Mitzvah in order to help our young adults become aware of and draw meaning from this significant transition in their lives.
Individual Preparation
We provide private session for every girl or boy who celebrates their Bat or Bar Mitzvah Lubavitch of Doylestown. We will ensure that she or he is 100% ready to be a star on the big day. Children are able to discuss both the meaning and practical aspects of the Bar or Bat Mitzvah and have their questions answered and explored.
The Rabbi remains in touch with parents to help guide them through the preparation for the Bar or Bat Mitzvah in the easiest and most enjoyable way. Together, Rabbi and family explore issues such as, “who is more nervous parents or child,” and “do we invite 3rd cousin once removed, Ernie?”
Testimonials
"Studying with Rabbi Prus gives our family the most personal and meaningful Jewish connection we’ve ever had. Being part of the Lubavitch family means being accepted for who we are, while learning the language, lessons, and traditions of the Jewish faith. Having Chelsea’s Bat Mitzvah service in our backyard with Mendel and his family, was a unique and joyous occasion for all of us. We look forward to Zachary becoming a Bar Mitzvah."
- Linda Pick
"I just want to thank you for a beautiful service you gave us!! All my friends and family, Jews and Christians, were very impressed with you and your style and how you explained everything so well. All my friends felt very comfortable around you. In the past, some people have asked me why did I choose an Orthodox Rabbi when I grew up reformed. After hearing and meeting you, they now understand why. They were also very impressed with Dassi and your children."
- Sharon G.
"Working with Rabbi Prus for Alex's Bar Mitzvah was a pleasure from beginning to end. It started with lessons where the Rabbi was extremely flexible. He was able to work around our schedule and always had time for Alex even though our availability seemed to change every week. The Rabbi and Dassie have always made us feel welcome and they did the same for all of our guests at the service. The Rabbi found a way to include all of our relatives, even those who are not Jewish. I received many compliments from our guests regarding the Tifilin service. It was different from the usual Mitzvah service but still had a strong religious feel. It was interesting and informative and as one guest put it, "I am 65 years old and I've attended a lot of Mitzvahs. That was the most enjoyable service I've ever been to". We wouldn't have changed a thing and are looking forward to starting the process again in three years!"
- Syndi & Eric Bleiweis
"Melanie and Sydney’s journey is approaching an important milestone culminating in a b’nai mitvah. Chabad has been an important key in shaping the girls minds in helping understanding the why’s and how’s of Jewish life. Many people here have contributed in that task, such as, Morah Rita’s teaching the girls to read, write and speak Hebrew. That was not more evident than this past Passover where our seder was performed all in Hebrew. The girls were so proud and felt more connected. The girls are very blessed to have Rabbi Prus play a very active role in their education. Rabbi gave the girls not only what being Jewish is and the holidays that we celebrate but also a greater appreciation what it means to be Jewish and its place in the world. The girls never looked at going to Chabad every Tuesday as work but rather like going to see family. We feel that Chabad is a part of our family. We will always have the great memories in our hearts and minds that we will take with us wherever our travels will take them."
- Tiffany