Bar/Bat Mitzvah: A Meaningful Journey

At Congregation Anshai Torah, the Bar/Bat Mitzvah is more than just a celebration—it’s a transformative experience that connects your family to their Jewish identity, traditions, and community.


The Bar/Bat Mitzvah marks your child’s transition into Jewish adulthood, a milestone rich in tradition, growth, and responsibility. It’s not just about one day—it’s a journey of building connection with their Jewish Faith and Israel.

  • Building Skills: Learn Torah, trope, and prayers to participate in Jewish ritual.

  • Finding Purpose: Complete a mitzvah project to positively impact the world.

  • Creating Connections: Develop a relationship with God and strengthen ties to the synagogue and Jewish community.

The Bar/Bat Mitzvah Schedule
At The Conclusion of 3rd Grade:

Receive Your Date: Families are assigned their child’s Bar/Bat Mitzvah date.

  • 2 Years Before:

    Bar/Bat Mitzvah Retreat: Parents and children gather to learn, connect, and set expectations.

  • 12 Months Before:

    Focused Preparation Begins: Parent and child meet with the Rabbi to outline the process. Weekly tutoring begins to learn Haftarah, Torah readings, and blessings.Bar/Bat Mitzvah Project: Begin the process of starting a meaningful project that makes a difference in the community and reflects Jewish values.
    Attend Services: Participate in 1 Friday night service per month and 1 Shabbat morning service per month to build confidence and comfort.

  • 2-3 Months Before:

    Speech Preparation: Your child works one-on-one with the Rabbi to develop their introduction to the Torah/Haftarah readings, personal reflections, and thank you speech. Parent Preparation: Parents begin preparing their speech for their children and assign service honors.

  • The Thursday Before

    First Torah Reading: Your child is called to the Torah for the first time at morning minyan or at their day school—an intimate and special moment for the family.

  • Bar/Bat Mitzvah Weekend

    Friday Night Service: Your child leads part of the service and extended family and friends are welcome to the synagogue, often concluding with Shabbat dinner at Anshai Torah.


  • Shabbat Morning Service: The Bar/Bat Mitzvah chants Torah and Haftarah, leads prayers, and delivers their speeches. The celebration continues with a festive kiddush luncheon following services for all in attendance.