Bar Mitzvah

of
[Student]

Parshat [ ]
[Date]
[Hebrew Date]

Rabbi Ruhi Sophia Motzkin

Rubenstein
 Temple Beth Israel
Eugene, Oregon
We are honored that you are joining us today
to celebrate as [Student] becomes a Bar
Mitzvah, son of the commandments.
[Student] will be called to the Torah for the
first time, symbolizing his transition from
childhood to becoming an adult member of
the Jewish community.
[Student] has committed a great deal of time
and effort preparing for this day. This is often
a transformative experience for a young
person. This celebration provides an
opportunity to acknowledge the value of a
young person and his current and future
contribution to the Jewish community.
All of you have touched our lives in some
special way, and we are grateful that you are
here to share this day with [Student] and with
our family.
[Parents]
Please, a few reminders:
-Do not place prayer books on the floor.
-Refrain from taking photos in the
synagogue.
-Turn off all cell phones and other digital
devices.
-Refrain from applause during the service.
Key terms:
Kippah: A small cap or head covering, known
in Yiddish as a yarmulke, worn as a reminder of
the presence of God. All are invited to wear a
kippah during the service, which are available as
you enter.
Shabbat: Shabbat, or Sabbath, begins at
sundown on Friday and ends Saturday upon the
presence of the first three stars in the sky. It is a
day of rest and restoration, focusing on the
spiritual rather than the physical world.
Tallit: A fringed prayer shawl worn by adults
during services or prayer. On becoming a bar
mitzvah, [Student] is entitled to wear a tallit for
the first time. When put on, a prayer is said and
the tallit is kissed. Being wrapped in the tallit is
very holy, as if being alone with God.
Shema: The prayer that honors the oneness of
God. Literally it means to hear or listen.
Many people stand or cover their eyes during
this prayer.
 Gabbaim (assistant to the Torah reading):
Torah: The five books of Moses (Genesis,
Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers and Deuteronomy).
According to tradition, the Torah is written on First Aliyah:
parchment and divided unto 54 weekly portions
that are chanted or sung to a special melody or
First reading ( ):
trope. [Student] will read from the weekly
portion for this week.
Second Aliyah:
Aliyah: Literally ascent, aliyah refers to the
practice of honoring relatives by inviting them Second reading ( ):
up to the bimah (platform) to recite blessings
between Torah readings. Third Aliyah:

Third reading ( ):

The Service Maftir ( ):

Hagbah (Torah raiser):

Gelilah (Torah dresser):

Dvar Torah (commentary):

Closing of the Ark:

Opening Songs and Prayers:
Prayer for Social Action and Reading:
Presentation of the Tallit:
Blessings:
Opening of the Ark:
Concluding Prayers
Passing of the Torah:
 luncheon will be served in the social hall, to
which you are warmly invited.
After the service, [Student] will lead us in a
prayer over wine and challah. A light