“Bar Mitzvah” is Hebrew for “son of commandment.” A Bar Mitzvah is a Jewish coming of age ritual for boys. When a Jewish boy turns 13, he has all of the rights and obligations of a Jewish adult, including the commandments of the Torah. The process of becoming a Bar Mitzvah has kept Connor and us to be focused on what is most important: family, community, and a relationship with G-d. Although we commonly refer to a boy as “having” a Bar Mitzvah, the term actually refers to a status. A Jewish boy automatically becomes Bar Mitzvah when he turns 13 years old. Connor was born on the 19th of Cheshvan, 5771. He will turn 13 on the 12th of Cheshvan, 5784, which is October 27, 2023.
Kippah (kee-pah) or yarmulke (yah-mah-kah): A head covering worn by men and some women. Women may wear a kippah, hat, or a lace head covering if they choose. Wearing a head covering is an act of respect to G-d and the sacredness of the worship space.
Tallit/Tallis: The tallit (tall-EET or TALL-is), or prayer shawl, is traditionally worn by Jewish males and by some Jewish women as well. The braided fringes at the four corners of the tallit, called tzitzit, are gathered and kissed at various times in the service to remind us of G-d’s commandments. Connor's parents Janna & Steve, will be presenting Connor with his tallit.
Siddur and Chumash: Two different books will be used during the Shabbat service. The first is the siddur. This is a prayer book that opens from right to left and is used throughout the service. The second book is the Chumash. This is a printed version of the Torah.
Aliyah: The term “Aliyah” means rising up and symbolizes the honor of reciting the blessing over the Torah before and after each section of the Torah is read.
Torah: Connor will be reading from a Torah scroll. Each scroll contains the Five Books of Moses. Torah scrolls are the most sacred possessions of a congregation and Jewish community. Each scroll is hand-written in Hebrew, on parchment, without vowels or musical notes.
Yad: The person who reads the Torah uses a pointer, called a yad, to help keep the place as the Torah is read and to prevent damage to the Torah.
Parashah: Each Shabbat we read a portion of the Torah, or parashah. The parashah is read from the Torah scroll. Connor will read from Parashat Yitro. This parashah is found in the Book of Exodus.
Haftarah: Following the Torah reading, Connor will chant the Haftarah, a prophetic selection from the Bible that shares a theme with the Torah portion. Connor will begin his Haftarah chanting with the words "
D’var Torah: Connor will share his thoughts highlighting the significance he finds in his Torah portion when he delivers his D’var Torah, or “word of Torah.”
Throwing Candy: After the conclusion of the Torah service, it is customary to toss candy at Connor to joyfully acknowledge his achievement. Family and friends who are in attendance at the Temple will throw the candy.
Tallit Presentation
Morning Prayers
Prayer for Peace
First Aliyah
Second Aliyah
Third Aliyah
Connor Called to the Torah, Torah Portion
Haftorah Portion
Connor D’var Torah (Speech)
Parents Prayer to Connor
Rabbis Remarks
Open Ark
Aleinu
Close Ark
Mourners’ Kaddish
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