Tag
Bar Mitzvah
16 articles
How to Write a D'var Torah: A Step-by-Step Guide
Whether you're preparing a bar mitzvah speech or speaking at a Shabbat table, writing a d'var Torah can feel intimidating. Here's a practical, step-by-step guide to finding your angle, building your argument, and delivering a talk that people actually want to hear.
Jewish Parenting: Torah Wisdom for Raising Children
From 'teach your children diligently' in the Shema to the Talmud's stages of child development, Jewish tradition offers a remarkably detailed — and surprisingly modern — framework for raising children with love, discipline, and purpose.
Bar and Bat Mitzvah: Coming of Age
At age 12 or 13, a Jewish child becomes responsible for the commandments — a milestone celebrated with joy and meaning.
The Complete Guide to Bar and Bat Mitzvah
Everything you need to know about Bar and Bat Mitzvah — from the meaning of the ceremony and months of preparation to the Torah reading, celebration, and gifts.
Bar Mitzvah Party Culture: DJs, Dancers, and the Candle-Lighting Ceremony
The bar mitzvah party — from motivator dancers and montage videos to candle-lighting ceremonies and over-the-top themes — is a uniquely American Jewish institution. How did a religious milestone become a party-planning juggernaut?
Bar Mitzvah: Everything You Need to Know
The complete guide to bar and bat mitzvah — from spiritual meaning to Torah reading to party planning. What it is, how to prepare, what to expect, and why it matters.
Bar Mitzvah vs Confirmation: Coming of Age Compared
Bar/Bat Mitzvah and Christian Confirmation are both coming-of-age rituals, but they differ in age, meaning, requirements, and theological significance.
The Haftarah: Prophetic Voices After the Torah
Every Shabbat, after the Torah reading, a passage from the Prophets is chanted aloud in synagogue. The haftarah connects prophecy to law, history to the present, and — for many young Jews — marks the most memorable moment of becoming bar or bat mitzvah.
Planning a Bar Mitzvah: An 18-Month Timeline
Planning a bar or bat mitzvah can feel overwhelming. This 18-month countdown covers everything — choosing a date, finding a tutor, booking the venue, invitations, catering, entertainment, photography, budget, and guest etiquette.
Adult Bar/Bat Mitzvah: It's Never Too Late
An adult bar or bat mitzvah — for those who missed the ceremony at 13 or are discovering Judaism later in life — is one of the most emotionally powerful experiences in Jewish communal life. There is no age limit. There is only the decision to begin.
Bar Mitzvah Gifts: What to Give and How Much
Everything you need to know about bar and bat mitzvah gifts — how much money to give (and why multiples of 18), the best non-monetary gifts, what not to give, and how to write a meaningful card.
Jewish Food for Every Life Event: From Bris to Shiva
In Jewish life, every milestone has its menu. Bagels at the bris, everything at the bar mitzvah, honey cake at the wedding, hard-boiled eggs at shiva. Explore the foods that mark — and comfort — every stage of Jewish life.
Jewish Lifecycle: Complete Guide from Birth to Death and Everything Between
Judaism marks every stage of life with ritual, community, and meaning — from the naming of a newborn to the prayers said at the grave. This comprehensive guide covers every lifecycle event, with links to detailed articles and practical planning guides.
This Is Bar Mitzvah: Why We Built This Site
Why does thisisbarmitzvah.com exist? Rabbi Krumer's vision for a comprehensive, accessible, and beautifully written guide to Judaism — starting from the moment that changes everything.
Bar Mitzvah on a Budget: How to Plan a Meaningful Celebration
Practical tips for planning a meaningful bar or bat mitzvah celebration without overspending, covering venues, food, invitations, entertainment, and creative cost-saving ideas.
How to Give a D'var Torah Speech: A Practical Guide
A practical guide to preparing and delivering a d'var Torah, covering structure, research, writing tips, and public speaking advice for any occasion.