| Bar
and Bat Mitzvah
Translated literally, Bar/Bat Mitzvah means "son"
(bar) or "daughter" (bat) "of the Commandments."
Up until the late Middle Ages, a boy or girl would virtually
‘overnight’ become an adult and subject to
all the obligations applicable to men and women under
Halakhah (Jewish Law). From that time, a boy marked his
competence to enter the adult Jewish world by being ‘called-up’
to read all or part of the Parashah (weekly Torah portion)
and often the Haftarah (reading from the Prophets).
Liberal Judaism affirms the equal status of boys and girls
in religious education. Accordingly, we offer both Bar
and Bat Mitzvah ceremonies in our Communities as part
of a Shabbat Morning Service. Liberal Judaism also believes
that the Bar/Bat Mitzvah ceremony is only the culmination
of a process. Therefore, children (and parents) are expected
to commit to regular attendance at the Cheder (Religion
School) and Synagogue Services, to additional tuition
and to agree to continue the child’s religious education
up to Kabbalat Torah. Involvement in a Social Action project
is also often encouraged.
Adult Bar/ Bat Mitzvah
Liberal Judaism recognises that Bar/Bat Mitzvah may also
be a meaningful ceremony for adults. Some may not, for
whatever reason, have had a Bar or Bat Mitzvah as part
of a Synagogue service when they were 13. Others may wish
to renew or reaffirm their personal commitment to Jewish
tradition. The Rabbis and Communities of Liberal Judaism
are pleased to assist adults in furthering their Jewish
education and in preparation for being called up before
the congregation to read from the Torah.
Kabbalat Torah
Recognising that Bar Mitzvah, although significant, does
not, in modern society, mark a child's becoming an adult,
the ceremony of Kabbalat Torah at age 15 allows girls
and boys to affirm their commitment to Judaism as a consequence
of a personal decision. Kabbalat Torah is a firmly established
religious observance in Liberal Judaism. It was introduced
because the founders of Liberal Judaism felt that at the
age of 13 students were too young to declare a commitment
to the community and to end their formal education. At
the age of 15 it is felt that they are able to have a
more mature and personal understanding of Jewish values.
Kabbalat Torah encourages students to think about issues
in their lives and in society as a whole, through the
lens of Jewish tradition and Liberal Jewish values. Apart
from formal learning, most courses include active participation
in the religious and cultural life of their own Community.
They are also invited to participate in events with students
from other Communities and on trips to places of Jewish
interest in the UK and Europe. As a result, many of our
students cement lasting social relationships with fellow
students during these years. Kabbalat Torah runs from
Bar and Bat Mitzvah, culminating in the ceremony created
jointly by the students and the Rabbis.
During Kabbalat Torah, most students will have the option
to prepare for and take GCSE Religious Studies - Judaism.
Many post Kabbalat Torah students come back to the Cheder
to become class helpers, and later a number choose to
become teachers.
Adult Kabbalat Torah
In recent years, adult members in some Communities of
Liberal Judaism who wish to learn more about their heritage
and culture undertake a course of education at the end
of which they, as their younger counterparts, will create
and lead a Shabbat service.
For information please contact Rabbi Aaron Goldstein on 07764 192 696 or contact your local rabbi |
