Bet yossef celebration: Bar mitzvah / bat mitzvah

According to Jewish tradition, a Bar Mitzvah reflects a major turning point in the life of a Jewish boy or girl. As such, we believe very strongly that each child should celebrate this meaningful milestone in a traditional manner. They should take pride in their Jewish identity and be filled with enthusiasm to take their place as a full fledged member of the Jewish nation.

At Bet Yossef Community Center, we have a variety of options suitable for the personalization of a Bar or Bat Mitzvah service that makes this day memorable for family and loved ones. Every option is reviewed and considered with your child's best interest in mind during your family's consultation with Rabbi Attal.

After looking over what we offer below, please contact us for more details at 702-901-7963 or social@bycclv.org. To reach Rabbi Attal directly, please email rabbi@bycclv.org.

Bar Mitzvah

Boys interested in a Bar Mitzvah must commit to at least 10 months of studying with a private teacher once a week. He will learn about reading from the Torah, leading prayers, putting on Tefillin, and understanding the importance of a Bar Mitzvah. 

The young man has a variety of options for his service. He may want to do everything (lead the entire service as well as read from the Torah and Haftorah) or simply be called up to the Torah for an Aliyah. He can also do something in between these two options. 

Ceremony options

Shabbat Morning Service (10:00 am to 12:15 pm)

• Beginning with Shacharit (morning prayers), this service includes the Torah, Haftorah, and speeches.
• Afterwords, guests and congregation members celebrate with Kiddush.

Shabbat Afternoon Service (early afternoon in winter, evening in summer)

•  Beginning with Mincha (afternoon prayers), this hour-long service includes a short Torah reading followed by speeches.
• The service concludes with Maariv (evening prayers) and Havdalah.

Weekday Service (Monday, Thursday, or Rosh Chodesh—first day of a Hebrew month)

•  Beginning with Shacharit (morning prayers), this services includes a short Torah reading followed by speeches.

Sample bar mitzvah service

Typically, the ceremony includes Hebrew and English readings as well as a speech delivered by the Bar Mitzvah boy with reflections on the meaning of his important milestone, his path towards the bimah, and lessons learned that draw from his Torah portion. The service generally includes:

• Prayer Service
• Reading of the Torah (and Haftorah when applicable)
• Mazel Tov and Candy Throw (Singing praise and showering the Bar Mitzvah boy in candy)
• Reflections from the Rabbi
• Bar Mitzvah Reflection from the Bar Mitzvah boy
• (Optional) Reception (Bet Yossef has the capacity to take care of your son's reception, including catering)

Bat Mitzvah

The Bat Mitzvah girl will be paired up with a private teacher who will cover a curriculum that serves as a forum for discovery and encourages the young girl to learn more about this unique time in her life. Her studies will include:

• In depth learning of her Torah portion including selected commentaries
• Comprehensive review of her Haftorah (including an analysis of the historical period when it was written)
• Completion of a project that profiles her understanding of famous biblical women
• Understanding of the Jewish Life Cycle (unless covered in her Jewish schooling)
• Translation and history of her favorite prayer
• Preparation of a speech that includes the explanation of selected verses from her portions
• Practice the recitation of selected prayers

Ceremony Options

Havdalah Service (one hour—or more—after nightfall, only available in Fall or Winter)

Following the end of Shabbat, this service is led by the Bat Mitzvah girl who welcomes everyone and speaks about the tradition of Havdalah. She opens the service with the Saturday night prayers, which can include her close family members by having them participate in aspects of this time-honored ceremony. Following this powerful ritual, the service continues with the customizable format outlined in our Sample Bat Mitzvah Service.

Sunday Morning/Evening Ceremony

Taking place in either the morning or afternoon (to coincide with Shacharit/Morning or Mincha/Afternoon prayer times), this service follows the customizable format outlined in our Sample Bat Mitzvah Service. Afterwards, the family is welcome to use Bet Yossef facilities (including catering) to host either a brunch or a reception for their guests.

Friday Night Candle Lighting Service

In a Friday evening service, the Bat Mitzvah girl leads the women and girls in the candle lighting and blessing. In the winter, the candle lighting will begin the ceremony and in the summer, it will close the ceremony. Please note that videos and cameras are only allowed until the candle lighting service. Afterwards, the family is welcome to use Bet Yossef facilities (including catering) to host either a dinner or Kiddush reception for their guests.

Sample Bat Mitzvah Service

• Welcome and Introduction
• Hinei Ma Tov (popular opening prayer, speaks of community)
• Collection of prayers led by the Bat Mitzvah girl
• D'var (Reflection) on the Torah Portion (and Haftorah if applicable), which includes readings of selected verses
• Rabbi's Reflection
• Parents Welcome Everyone
• Parents Blessing their Daughter
• Mazel Tov and Candy Throw (Singing praise and showering the Bat Mitzvah girl in candy)
• Adon Olam/Oseh Shalom (popular prayers of peace and renewal often used to close ceremonies)