Bar & Bat Mitzvahs
Translated as "Son/Daughter of the commandments", one becomes a Bar (boys) or Bat (girls) Mitzvah at age 13 (12 for girls in most Orthodox congregations) independent of a ceremony marking the occasion.
By tradition, because a Bar/Bat Mitzvah ceremony is a custom not a commandment, age 13 is when a child becomes obligated to the ritual responsibilities of Jewish life. This is referred to as the "commandment age", the "age of majority", or a "religious coming of age". At this point in the young adult's life, he or she is presumed to be responsible for those religious obligations independent of the parents.
Those obligations might include mitzvot, being part of a minyan (religious prayer quorum), fasting on Yom Kippur, leading the congregation in prayer or wearing tefillin. Therefore, becoming a Bar/Bat Mitzvah is certainly an important life-cycle event. In secular terms, this point in a teen's life, often marks enormous growth and maturity reflected by several years of study and practice before the special day. Combined with the responsibility of Jewish adulthood, this event often brings an overwhelming wave of emotion to parents and close relatives.
Services
This event is marked by participation in services and reading the Torah and leading the congregation in prayer. After the service, it is customary to celebrate with a special meal to commemorate the mitzvah.
Celebration
Over time, the celebration party, or simcha, has evolved. This is a way for families to celebrate a rite of passage, as well as bring extended families together from far away to reunite for a joyous celebration. Celebration has historically been an integral part of the important rite of passage of the Bar/Bat Mitzvah. Celebration should be at the same time meaningful to the family, respectful of Jewish law and tradition, and reflective of synagogue and community values.
Since the Bar/Bat Mitzvah only passes once on the way to becoming a teenager, the rite of passage is undeniably sacred and important. The celebration is not only for the act of reading the Torah, leading the congregation in prayer and giving a speech. There has been determined studying, learning and practicing. There has been intellectual and spiritual growth. There have been mitzvot (good deeds), tzedakah (charity) and gemilut chasadim (non-financial giving) that help build self-esteem and mold character. The Bar/Bat Mitzvah has earned the right to be part of a minyan, be called for alliyot, or wear the tefillin. The intensity and extent of the celebration is probably a matter of individual taste and preference.
For background music during cocktails, you may want to consider a Classical or Jazz Ensemble: string quartet, string trio, string duo, woodwind and string duo, harp and string/woodwind duo, or simply a solo instrument such as a solo violin, piano, or harp. See our Classical Music page for more information about the different types of ensembles offered by SeaSoundStudio Entertainment.
For after dinner dancing and entertainment, SeaSoundStudio Entertainment's jazz ensembles from its Jazz & Swing Page can be arranged and combined to best fit your musical needs. If you desire, SeaSoundStudio Entertainment can also assist you in arranging for a premiere, entertaining DJ, knowledgeable with the Jewish traditions. A recent trend is to combine a live band with a DJ to satisfy all generations in attendance at your celebration. If you would prefer Rock or Pop music, select one of the musical groups from our Rock & Pop Page.
If you are seeking a national artist, consider booking Ed Shaughnessy who many consider to be the world's greatest drummer, backed by a 12-piece Big Band.For the ultimate musical experience book an 18 piece Big Band from New York City with a Vocal Impressionist who can bring all of your favorite musical stars to the celebration--Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, Bing Crosby, Perry Como, Elvis Presley, Neil Diamond, Tom Jones, Johnny Mathis, Barry Manilow, Cher and many of the other greatest vocalists of all time. For more information on the incredible "Voices of Legends" show, go to our page on The Todd Sullivan Orchestra, starring Eric Kearns.