Please see sections below for Ceremony and Party F A Q
What is a Bat Mitzvah? It is a coming-of-age ceremony that marks the transition into adulthood as well as the acceptance of religious responsibilities, called mitzvot, in Hebrew. In English, mitzvot translates to "commandments." The Bat Mitzvah celebration is filled with joy, traditions, and meaningful rituals.
If I have questions about logistics, who should I ask? Please email sharimiller0118@gmail.com with any questions!
CEREMONY FAQ
What should I wear to the ceremony? Typically, females wear dresses of modest legnth. If your dress or top does not cover your shoulders, please bring something to cover them such as a shawl, blazer or cardigan. Men usually wear a sports coat and tie or a suit. For teenage boys and younger, a dress shirt and slacks/khakis (not jeans) is common -a tie, jacket, or a suit are optional. All males are asked to cover their heads with a small cap called a kippah or yarmulke while in the synagogue. Kippahs will be available for all males at the entrance to Chabad.
Why are we asking that females cover their shoulders? In Judaism, a noble virtue for men and women is tzniut which is commonly translated to English as "modesty." Customarily, men will be wearing clothing as described above that meet this standard. However, for females, especially in the summer months, styles are often strapless or spaghetti strapped. Chabad encourages modesty.
Why are we asking that males wear a kippah? The Hebrew word kippah (literally: "dome") refers to a small, dome shaped cap. Males wear these as a symbol and reminder, that above them, is a "higher entity."
What is the Mechitza? Mechitza is a Hebrew word that translates to "partition" in English. The mechitza is a partion that seperates males and females during prayer and religious functions. A mechitza originates from the Holy Temple in Jerusalem where men and women were seated seperately. In the Holy Temple and in some older synagogues today, females sit in a blacony. However, it is now more common to be on one level and separated by a partition. A mechitza is used in Orthodox synagogues to encourage concentration on prayer. Similarly, we have requested no use of electronics, including photography, to encourage concentration on the ceremony.
PARTY FAQ
What should I wear to the party? Please dress nicely but comfortably enough to dance. Females should wear dresses (teenage girls should wear dresses at least as nice at what they would wear to a school dance, or slightly fancier). Teenage boys and younger males usually wear a dress shirt and slacks/khakis (not jeans); a jacket and/or tie is optional, as are suits. Men usually wear a jacket and tie or a suit.
What is the Hora? The hora is an Israeli circle dance traditionally danced at joyous occasions in the Jewish community. The word Hora, means "circle" and has Greek roots. The dance is done in - you guessed it- a circle! All guests join hands and participate. The Hora has become a meaningful, integral part of the modern-day celebration because it is fun and inclusive. The hora is frequently danced to the music of "Hava Nagila" which is a Ukranian song with Hebrew lyrics that translates to "Let Us Rejoice" in English. Another commonly played song is "Siman Tov u'Mazel Tov" which loosely means "A good sign and good luck (it will come to us and all Israel)."
What about the chair lift? Matti will be lifted up in a chair during this dancing which is a way for family and friends to show their love, joy, and pride in her accomplishments and commitment to Judaism. During the chair lift, family and friends form a circle around Matti, creating a sense of unity and togetherness.
What else may occur at the party that I may not know about? There will be a blessing over bread and wine before dinner, These blessings will be led by Matti's Uncle Ron in Hebrew and in English. There will also be a "candlelighting" ritual in which Matti will recoginize 13 individuals or groups of individuals that she sees as central to her life. These individuals/groups will be called to assist Matti in lighting a candle. The number 13 recognizes the modern and secular age a girl celebrates her Bat Mitzvah (more traditionally, this happens at age 12). Lastly, there is a sign-in board (mirror) to write a short congratulatory message and sign your name. Commonly, these are foam or acrylic boards. Matti will be using a mirror that is doubling for table assignments, Please make sure to sign the mirror as you note your table assignment when you arrive.