Questions & Answers

What is a Bar Mitzvah?

A Bar Mtizvah is the religious service and celebration that recognizes a 13 year old Jewish male for becoming an active and responsible Jewish adult. “Bar/bat mitzvah” literally means “son/daughter of the commandments.” The celebration of a Bar Mitzvah signifies that the young person is beginning and will continue to function as an active and responsible Jew in the synagogue and in the wider Jewish community.

Can parents attend the service if their child is invited?
Yes. Parents are absolutely welcome to attend the service and we’d love to have you join us. Due to limited space at Hyland Hills, the celebration afterward is limited to those invited.

Can my child attend the celebration without coming to the service?
The service is the heart of the day and is meant to be shared and communal, not private or formal. Callum’s Bar Mitzvah is the milestone being celebrated. We ask that guests attend the service before joining the celebration, as being present for the service is the best way to fully take part in the day. 

When should I arrive at the service?

The service begins promptly at 3:00pm. You should plan to be seated by that time. The service typically runs for 90 minutes.

What should I wear to the service?

People will be wearing whatever they feel comfortable in for a religious service. Some people will be dressier than others, and that is totally fine.  Many middle schoolers feel comfortable in slacks and collared shirts like a polo shirt or button down (no tie necessary). Another option is a nice top & skirt or dress. Sneakers are totally appropriate, as are dress shoes. 

Why is the Bar Mitzvah in the afternoon?
Our synagogue offers afternoon services as an option for families. The afternoon service, called Mincha, is a regular Shabbat service and is the same service as the morning in terms of meaning and requirements.

What happens at the service?

Callum will lead the congregation through a number of prayers, and will read from the Torah for the first time. Reading from the Torah requires years of learning, and more focused, individual study during the year leading up to the Bar Mitzvah. Callum will also deliver a dvar torah, which is a speech about the Torah portion for the day, Emor. The service will contain music and Hebrew prayers. If you aren’t familiar with a song or prayer, feel free to hum along or just listen. Instead of clapping, you can say, "Yasher Koach!" which translates to "May you have strength," and is offered as a way of saying "congratulations!”

What are the Jewish symbols that will be referenced during the service?

Torah
The Torah is the central sacred text of Judaism and contains the Five Books of Moses. During the service, Callum will read from the Torah, marking a key moment of his Bar Mitzvah as he takes on the responsibility of participating in Jewish ritual and learning.

Yad
A yad is a small pointer used when reading from the Torah. Because the Torah is handwritten on parchment and very fragile, the yad is used instead of touching the text directly, helping preserve it while guiding the reader.

Ark
The Ark is a special cabinet at the front of the sanctuary where the Torah scrolls are kept when they are not being read. It is considered one of the most sacred elements of the synagogue.

Kippah
Some guests will wear a head covering called a kippah. Wearing a kippah is not a symbol of religious identification, but rather an act of respect for God and the sacredness of the worship space. There will be a basket of kippot (plural of kippah) available if you would like to wear one.

Tallit
Prayer shawls, or tallit, are worn by Jewish people in synagogue to help remind the wearer to observe the commandments of Judaism. Callum will be receiving his tallit during his Bar Mitzvah service, symbolizing this new stage of responsibility and participation in Jewish life.

Can I use my phone and take photos and videos? 

During Shabbat, from sundown Friday through sundown Saturday, Judaism observes a sacred day of rest. In keeping with this tradition, we ask guests to refrain from using phones, taking photos or videos, or using electronic devices during the service or anywhere on the synagogue property. If you bring a phone to Temple Israel, please keep it turned off or on silent and avoid texting inside the synagogue. If you need to make a call or send a text, we ask you to please step outside.

What should I know about security at the synagogue?

For everyone’s safety, Temple Israel has a number of security measures, both seen and unseen, in place. You will likely see security personnel on site as you enter the building. We appreciate your understanding as these measures help keep our community safe and welcoming.