Locker Room Talk

What is a Bar Mitzvah?

A Bar Mitzvah is a coming-of-age ritual in Judaism, marking a moment of maturity and celebration. Once a young adult becomes Bar Mitzvah, they are head responsible for their own actions and are recognized as a full-fledged member of the Jewish community.

What will happen at the Bar Mitzvah ceremony?

During the religious service there will be readings and songs in Hebrew and English. You will be able to follow along in the provided prayer book. Asher will lead the service, read the Torah, and deliver a speech called a D'var Torah reflecting on the reading.

What if I am not Jewish?

Asher is inviting friends from a diverse range of backgrounds and faiths to join his family. Half of Asher's extended family isn't Jewish, so you are in good company! Much of the ceremony will be unfamiliar to you, but we will be very pleased that you will be with us. You are most welcome to participate in the services, worship, or meditate in your hear in your own way, or simply bear witness.

What should I wear?

Saturday Morning
Business or business casual attire. Clothing should be fairly modest, similar to what you would wear for any service in a house of worship. For Asher's friends, khakis or slacks and a collared shirt for boys, and pants, dressy shirt, modest dresses or skirts for girls would be appropriate. Please cover shoulders and no jeans or shorts.

Saturday Evening
Cocktail attire. Dress for a party!

What is a Kippah?

You may notice that some guests wear a head covering called a kippah or yalmulke. A kippah symbolizes respect, humility, and deference to a higher authority.

Asher has specifically chosen a kippah design with a XXX imprinted for his Bar Mitzvah. We welcome you to join him and his family in wearing one, and to take it home with you as a souvenir. Please treat it with respect and follow our tradition by trying not to let it touch the ground.

Should a parent accompany their child?

Friends of the bar mitzvah are usually invited by themselves. By tradition, a Bar Mitzvah is when a child becomes an adult by Jewish law. As such, friends of the bar mitzvah are seen as peers and invited to attend on their own.

I have other questions, who should I reach out to?

Please reach out to Asher's mom Meredith with any and all questions: meredithkauffman@gmail.com or 919-812-3403