Mazel Tov!
Your daughter will soon be celebrating
the most important milestone of
her adolescent Jewish life;
Her Bat Mitzvah.
Bat Mitzvah marks a fundamental shift in life: A transition from ‘child’ to responsible, Jewish girl. The Bat Mitzvah girl should feel a sense of relevance and reverence as she undergoes preparation for her big day. The grand finale the actual celebration is a pivotal moment in life’s rhythmic circle and should be marked with more than just a party; a Bat-Mitzvah celebration needs a soul.
We want your daughter to feel anticipation. We want her to recognize her integral role as a link in our beautiful tradition and rich heritage. We want her to take pride in herself and her Jewish identity. We want to inspire her with a sense of responsibility toward her fellow human beings and, above all, to G‑d. And we want to do it in a way she can relate to without being overwhelmed by it all
Our goal is to help your entire family realize the energy of this moment. The preparation for the Bat Mitzvah will hopefully be reflected in its successful outcome to the satisfaction of all.
Inside this booklet, you will find the beautifully choreographed & meaningful ceremonies we have developed for you to celebrate the Bat Mitzvah of your daughter. Please consider them carefully and share your thoughts with us that we may make concrete headway when we have the pleasure of meeting together with you.
PRELIMINARY MEETING
At the first meeting, Basy Bukiet will guide your
family in determining your goals for this special event. Things to consider at this time: the Bat Mitzvah date, ceremony options, family participation, preliminary requirements etc.
ON-GOING COORDINATION
Once the overall direction is set, we will chart a trajectory to achieve all the aforementioned goals to their finality. We remain in constant contact with the family and the celebrant to ensure appropriate progress is being made and that everyone involved is satisfied.
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MITZVAH PRACTICE
The Torah is a program for life, a ‘user’s manual’ for healthy emotional and
spiritual living. This isn't just theoretical; the Torah’s ideas need to find expression in actual day to day conduct.
We encourage that the Bat Mitzvah Girl adopt the following practices:
· Twice monthly attendance at Shabbat Services beginning six months prior to the date of the celebration
· Lighting Shabbat candles each Friday before sunset
· Designating a Tzedaka box in her room and giving a coin to charity daily except on Shabbat and Holidays
In honor of the Bat Mitzvah, the celebrant is required to choose a Chesed (kindness/charity) project and volunteer her time on a regular basis to benefit others. We encourage creativity in this matter and ask that the parents guide their child in the decision process and it’s implementation. The completed project should be displayed at the Bat Mitzvah Celebration.
DISCOVERY COURSE
The Bat Mitzvah girl is required to join a 8 -week Bat Mitzvah Discovery Course offered at The Chabad House. The course serves as a forum for discussion and discovery by delving into topics relating to Jewish faith and the unique role the Jewish woman plays in Jewish life.
The Discovery Course will explore various female personalities in the Torah, mitzvoth relating specifically to women and impart an appropriate dose of Jewish pride. The course also includes crafts and activities.
FORMAL INSTRUCTION
The Bat Mitzvah girl will embark on a one-to-one course of study to prepare her in the specifics of her Bat Mitzvah.
This will include:
· Analysis of her Torah Portion and select commentaries
· Review of her Haftorah and its historical context
· Meaning and History of her favorite prayer
· Overview of Jewish Life-Cycles (if not already covered in her Hebrew Schooling)
Basy will guide you and your daughter in crafting a meaningful, and
relevant Bat Mitzvah speech.
WE’RE ALMOST THERE
We hope you find the following information helpful in your planning:
· Prayer services are led in Hebrew & English from a user-friendly, bi-lingual prayer-book.
· The Shabbat laws do not allow for pictures or filming. However, you are welcome to schedule a weekday photo or video session.
· Please submit the text for your invitation to us prior to typesetting in order to assure accuracy in scheduling and detail.
· We will provide a booklet to guide your guests through the Bat Mitzvah ceremony. You may print them on your own for color matching etc.
· We will provide candy for the candy- throw.
· You may choose to celebrate at the Chabad House or elsewhere when not on Shabbat. Please discuss Kiddush and catering options with us.
· If celebrating at Chabad, we will provide basic set-up. Clean up is the responsibility of Bat Miztvah Party.
· All food and liquor served following the service must meet the kosher standards of the Chabad Jewish Center. Please consult the Rabbi or the list of accepted caterers to the left.
The total fee is $1650
This includes: Private Tutoring, Bat Mitzvah Celebration,
This does not include the Kiddush/caterer’s fees, facility use (including set-up).
