Bar/Bat Mitzvah Ideas and Primer for Interfaith Families

We at InterfaithFamily.com compiled the Bar/Bat Mitzvah Ideas and Primer for Interfaith Families as a way to help interfaith families navigate the process of planning a bar mitzvah or bat mitzvah ceremony and celebration. It includes detailed information about what takes place at a bar mitzvah or bat mitzvah as well as information on ways a child’s interfaith family can participate in the celebrations, and possible limitations on participation in some synagogues.

The resource is divided into sections addressing different aspects of the bar/bat mitzvah process, and ends with specific suggestions for rituals, excerpts to include in a bar/bat mitzvah supplement and recommended books.

Introduction to Bar Mitzvahs and Bat Mitzvahs

What’s Permitted and What’s Not

Ways the Child May Participate in the Ceremony

Ways the Family May Participate in the Ceremony

Ways the Child Participates Before the Ceremony: Community Service

Ways the Child Participates Before the Ceremony: Study

Ways to Include Your Child’s Interfaith Heritage at the Celebration

Educating Your Non-Jewish Audience

Other Tips for Before the Ceremony

Sample Explanation of Bar/Bat Mitzvah #1

Sample Explanation of Bar/Bat Mitzvah #2

Sample Etiquette Guide for Guests

Sample Program

Sample Guide to Sanctuary and Customs #1

Sample Guide to Sanctuary and Customs #2

Sample Frequently Asked Questions

Sample Guide to Service

Sample Candlelighting Ceremony Introduction

Sample Candlelighting Ceremony

Recommended Books

Acknowledgements

The Bar/Bat Mitzvah Ideas and Primer for Interfaith Families is also available as a PDF and Word document.

Micah Sachs  is director of web strategy of InterfaithFamily.com.
In modern Jewish practice, Jewish boys come of age at 13. When a boy comes of age, he is officially a Bar Mitzvah ("son of the commandments"). The term is commonly used as a short-hand for the Bar Mitzvah\'s coming-of-age ceremony and/or celebration. The female equivalent is "Bat Mitzvah." In modern Jewish practice, Jewish girls come of age at 12 or 13. When a girl comes of age, she is officially a Bat Mitzvah (\'daughter of the commandments\'). The term is commonly used as a short-hand for the Bat Mitzvah\'s coming-of-age ceremony and/or celebration. The male equivalent is "Bar Mitzvah."
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