![]() ![]() Preparing to read from the Torah or chant the haftarah is time consuming and not nearly as important as the above studies. The Lubavitcher Rebbe writes that in preparation for accepting "the yoke of mitzvot," the bar mitzvah boy should spend time studying the fundamentals of Judaism, including the laws regulating daily life. However many are of the opinion that this custom has no source, and is therefore not a requirement for the bar mitzvah ceremony. Others have the custom of honoring the bar mitzvah boy with the final aliyah, known as “Maftir,” after which he chants the haftarah-the reading from the prophets which follows the Shabbat Torah reading. In some communities it is customary for the bar mitzvah boy to chant the Torah reading, or at least one section of it. More on the ceremony check out The Ceremony section. It’s important to mention that just as the wedding party is secondary to the wedding ceremony, the Bar Mitzvah ceremony is much more important than the party, and should be the central focus of the preparations. One final note: It has become the norm in many communities to celebrate a bar mitzvah on the same scale as a wedding. ![]() the boy’s thirteenth Jewish birthday) you should plan an additional small celebration on that day. When choosing a date, keep in mind that if you are not able to have the party on the day of the actual Bar Mitzvah (i.e. Most bar mitzvah celebrations take place directly after the synagogue ceremony and include a festive meal followed by music (if it is not Shabbat) and dancing. In fact, according to some opinions, to arrange a feast in honor of a bar mitzvah is a mitzvah in itself! One would be hard-pressed to think of a more joyous occasion to celebrate than a bar mitzvah. Jewish adulthood comes with many responsibilities, but it is also an enormous privilege. Learn how to chant the blessings of the Aliyah like a pro. To learn more about the Synagogue check out the Synagogue Virtual Tour. In order to receive an aliyah, one must be familiar with the procedure of being called up to the Torah and know the blessings recited before and after the reading. ![]() Some wait for the first Shabbat that follows the bar mitzvah. ![]() Traditionally, a boy is honored with an aliyah on the first "Torah-reading-day" that follows his thirteenth birthday. But because these days many lack the necessary training, there is a designated "reader" who reads the section out loud, while the oleh reads along quietly (or listens).Īliyah means "ascent," referring both to the physical ascent onto the platform where the Torah is read and to the spiritual elevation experienced at that time. Originally, the person called up (the oleh) would read a section from the Torah himself. When the Torah is publicly read in the synagogue (on Shabbat, Monday and Thursday mornings, holidays and fast days), congregants are called up for an aliyah: the honor of reciting one of the blessings over the Torah. Getting an aliyah by the Torah (Credit: Serraf Studio) Traditionally, the purchase of tefillin for a bar mitzvah boy is regarded with special pride by his parents and grandparents.Ĭheck out our comprehensive Tefillin section. For this reason, more than any other practice, tefillin have always served as the mark of honor that a boy receives upon his bar mitzvah. A boy does not put on tefillin until he approaches the age of thirteen. Jews have lovingly and devotedly performed this mitzvah for over 3,000 years, exactly as we perform it today.Īlthough young boys are trained to keep all the mitzvahs even before their bar mitzvah, tefillin are the exception. The tefillin are worn on the head and on the arm, close to the heart, as a reminder that we must harness our intellect, emotions and actions in the service of G‑d. Tefillin are worn during weekday morning prayers. The Torah commands adult Jewish men to bind the tefillin onto the head and upper arm with leather straps in fulfillment of the verse, "You shall bind them as a sign upon your hand, and they should be for a reminder between your eyes" ( Deuteronomy 6:8). Tefillin are black leather boxes containing parchments inscribed with the Shema and other biblical passages. Tradition passed down to another generation: A grandfather helps his grandson don his tefillin (Credit: Serraf Studio) ![]()
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