A BAT MITZVAH
At Chabad of the East Valley
According to Jewish tradition, a Bat Mitzvah reflects a major turning point in the life of a Jewish girl and as such, we believe very strongly that every girl should celebrate her milestone in a meaningful and traditional manner.
Realizing she is an integral part of our beautiful tradition and rich heritage, this feeling and commitment ultimately serves to inspire her to constantly recognize her privilege and responsibilities to her self, fellow human beings and above all to G‑d.
At Chabad of the East Valley the bat mitzvah celebration are a faithful to the beauty and authenticity of Jewish tradition. A ceremony, which will bring your daughter to deep recognition and appreciation of her special role as a Jewish woman and as a future mother of Israel.
The following bat mitzvah information guide will outline the aspects, options and policies as Chabad
Date & Ceremony
Preparation for a bat mitzvah takes 6-8 months. In order to properly prepare and plan your special day, clear the dates you wish to reserve and choose the ceremony that best fits your needs, please call the office to set up an appointment with Rabbi Mendy Deitsch a minimum of 12 months prior to the bat mitzvah date.
A bat mitzvah ceremony can be held on Friday night, Saturday morning, Saturday evening Havdala ceremony, Sunday afternoon or evening.
Bat mitzvah requirements:
All girls seeking to have their bat mitzvah at Chabad must fulfill the following requirements:
1. Successfully completes the bat mitzvah discovery course.
2. Successfully complete the bat mitzvah tutoring with the rabbi.
3. Acquire a Chumash with English translation.
4. Attend 10 Shabbat services prior to her bat mitzvah.
Education – Bat Mitzvah Discovery Course
All bat mitzvah girls must attend our bat mitzvah discovery course. The girls study and research many important fascinating aspects of Judaism and the vital role the woman plays in it. In addition, the course will prepare them for their actual bat mitzvah ceremony.
The bat mitzvah discovery course includes the following:
- The meaning of a bat mitzvahs a deep appreciation and understanding of this transformational life cycle event. (Decide how many weeks)
- ani ma'amin the 13 principles of faith- an in depth study of the 13 principles of faith authored by Rabbi Moses of Maimon. These principles are the fundamentals that define our faith. It is recited in Hebrew and or English as part of the bat mitzvah ceremony.
- aishes chayal a woman of valor- a detailed analysis of one of the most famous chapters of proverbs written by King Solomon more the 2500 years ago this chapter written about his mother out lines the role of the Jewish woman. It is recited in Hebrew or English or both as part of the bat mitzvah ceremony.
- Jewish women in history - A comprehensive study of the role of Jewish women throughout history with relevant lessons for life in the 21st century. (Each girl will choose a Jewish hero to prepare an essay on.)
- Special mitzvot and holidays connected with Jewish woman - This unit will include a hands-on learning experience of the following mitzvot: Shabbat candles, Jewish family life, challah, and the Jewish home. (Kashrus, mezuzah and peace in the home) Tzedaka, each girl will choose one or more of the above mitzvot to be her mitzvah project for her bat mitzvah) and the following holidays Shabbat and Rosh Hashanah.
- Ahavat yisrael love for a fellow Jew. - This unit will focus on and develop a sense of responsibility, for the people around us and especially for the Jewish brothers and sisters and for the land of Israel, (each girl will choose a chased project for her bat mitzvah.)
We will provide a special binder in which will be recorded all the above-mentioned studies and accomplishments as they are fulfilled.
In addition, a certificate will be issued upon completion of the course.
Education - Private Training with the Rabbi
In order to personalize and prepare your daughter for her bat mitzvah ceremony she will need training with the rabbi.
Your daughter will meet with the rabbi once a week for a minimum of two months depending on the type of ceremony you have chosen.
During these sessions she will practice the Hebrew she will be reciting at her bat mitzvah as well as preparing the various speeches and insights she will be delivering at her bat mitzvah.
The Service
If you have chosen to have your ceremony on Friday evening or the Saturday morning service, the services will be traditional with men and women sitting separately divided by a mechitzah (a divider). Please note that during the Kiddush or reception, there is no separation between men and women.
All prayer books are in Hebrew and English, all announcements, speeches and sermons are made in English.
Photographs: if your ceremony is on Friday evening or Shabbat there cannot be any picture taking at the ceremony, however, you are welcome to come on a weekday for a photo and video session.
Catering: our faculty can accommodate a Kiddush and/or reception. The family should sponsor at least a Kiddush. Menus can range from simple to deluxe depending on the family's choice.
To organize a Kiddush, contact Rabbi Deitsch for consultation about menu and other details.
Cost
The cost is as follows:
Members and Hebrew School Students: $1,000
Non-members: $1,200
Private training with Rabbi is $45 per tutoring session.
Invitations
We will provide assistance and samples for the wording of the bat mitzvah invitations a copy of the invitation must be submitted prior to printing of the invitations.
Suggestions
- Donate a gift to the synagogue to have a long lasting memory of the bat mitzvah
- Mother, father or both should attend services with the bat mitzvah girl.
- Mother, father, or both should attend training sessions with the bat mitzvah girl.
