Frequently Asked Questions

A Bar Mitzvah is a Jewish coming-of-age ceremony for boys that marks when they reach the age of maturity and are considered religious adults.  For girls, it is called a Bat Mitzvah.

In Hebrew, "Bar Mitzvah" means "son of the commandment." It is the rite of passage that celebrates a boy's transition into Jewish adulthood.  The Bar Mitzvah is considered to be an adult religiously at the age of 13.  This reflects the ancient belief that at the age of 13, children begin to have the ability to make moral choices and are able to be responsible for their actions.  This will be symbolized during the ceremony when the Bar Mitzvah is called up to bless and chant from the Torah scroll.

Yes!! The service is the most important part of the event. We are celebrating Asher being called to the Torah and would love all our guests to attend the service.   Similar to any religious service you will follow along in a prayer book and simply listen to the prayers. The prayer books have both Hebrew and English translations (plus transliteration of the Hebrew so you can read along!). Guests and congregants are encouraged to hum along during congregational melodies and to participate in responsive readings to the extent that they feel comfortable.   

The traditional components of a Bar Mitzvah ceremony include the reading of Torah, reciting prayers, delivering a speech, and receiving blessings from family and friends. 

Plus, there is a fun part near the end when we will all throw candy at Asher! Younger children are welcome to join him on the bimah (the platform at the front of the sanctuary) to grab some candy too!

No! Please get up and take a break, stretch your legs, and say hello to someone you haven't seen in a while. The restrooms are located through the doors to the right of the bimah. If you want to chat, we just ask that you step out into one of the gathering rooms and not chat in the sanctuary during the ceremony. 

After the service is finished, it is followed by a kiddush, or light meal, in the synagogue’s social hall. The kiddush gets its name from the blessing over the wine that is recited just before the meal. At this point, you can personally congratulate Asher or in Hebrew, "Mazel Tov". We will serve challah (bread), wine for adults and grape juice for our guests under 21.  

The celebration will be at Topgolf, so think “country club casual” that you can also comfortably play in.

Men & Boys: Polo or collared shirts with slacks, chinos, or golf shorts. Sport coats are optional but not required. Please skip jeans, gym shorts, or t-shirts.

Women & Girls: Sundresses, skirts, dress pants, or golf-style skorts with a nice top. 

Comfortable wedges, flats, or sneakers are perfect.

Shoes: Sneakers, loafers, or casual dress shoes work great—anything you’d feel good wearing on the turf while swinging a club. Avoid spiked golf shoes or flip-flops.

The goal is to look put-together and festive, while still being comfortable enough to join in 

the fun.

We will have golf, games, and dancing. We will also be serving cocktails, hors d'oeuvres, and dinner.  Asher is looking forward to a fun evening with family and friends!

Asher loves all things sports—especially the Philadelphia Eagles and Detroit Lions! He is also in the process of redoing his bedroom, so fun or practical gifts that fit those themes are 

perfect.

Some ideas include:

Sports jerseys, hats, or gear (Eagles and Lions are his favorites!)

Memorabilia or décor for his new room

Gift cards to sporting goods stores or home décor shops

Anything that reflects his love of athletics and team spirit

Your presence at his Bar Mitzvah is the greatest gift of all, but if you’d like to celebrate Asher with something extra, these are things he’ll truly enjoy.