The celebration of bar/bat mitzvah focuses on one special day, being called to the Torah in the synagogue.  At this time the adult community recognizes the maturation process of the adolescent as he/she is old enough to be counted in the minyan of “k’hal Yisrael”, the community of Israel.  The sages determined that at this stage, the children were discerning enough to understand the concept of mitzvoth, good deeds and the important relationship to our Jewish sources, symbolized primarily by the Torah.

At Birkat Shalom we embrace the family in a bar/bat mitzvah year of activities, including regular participation in at least six synagogue events (such as Kabbalat Shabbat on Friday evenings), an enrichment class of approximately six meetings with other children the same age, and a number of special events for the entire family.

It is recommended that the family choose a date for the aliyah l’Torah a year in advance, and that the child begin the learning process at least three months before the ceremony. Ceremonies can be held on Shabbat morning, Shabbat mincha (Saturday afternoon), Monday and Thursday mornings, and on holidays including hol hamoed Sukkot and Pesach, and during Hanuka.

Our synagogue, located at Kibbutz Gezer, holds 60 people.  For those interested in having the ceremony in the outdoor sanctuary (which can accommodate any group up to 250), in the lovely educational park of Pinat Shorashim, please contact their office directly.

We enjoy hosting families from North America and other places around the world, and we can help plan a memorable occasion.  Through Pinat Shorashim, it is also possible to have a catered meal following services.