We are excited for you or your child to attend Shabbat morning services when Sam becomes a Bar Mitzvah. For those of you who have never attended a Bar Mitzvah before, it is a Jewish rite of passage when a Jewish boy or girl becomes a full member of their religious community by reading from the Torah (the Hebrew Bible) for the first time. It is a joyous event, and reason to celebrate with family and friends.
Here is some helpful information that may help you to know what to expect during the service. Services begin promptly at 10:30 AM, so please make sure that you arrive on time. Sam's friends' parents do not need to accompany their kids for the services, though you are more than welcome to stay if you would like to do so. If you are dropping off your child, they will be seated in a section reserved for Sam's friends. The kids should be dressed appropriately. Boys should wear nice pants and a button down shirt, polo shirt, or sports jacket. If a boy has a suit he is welcome to wear it, but it is by no means required. Girls should wear a nice dress, skirt and top or pants and top, and should have their shoulders covered. It is not required that anyone wear kippot (traditional head coverings), but we will have them available if you would like to wear one.
The service will last between one-and-a-half to two hours. Most adults and kids over the age of ten should able to sit through the service very easily, but if you or your child needs to briefly leave the sanctuary to use the rest room, there will be ushers who can direct you/them. Services are Woodlands Community Temple are very participatory, so we hope that you will join us in song. Even if you do not know the prayers or customs, we welcome you or your child to participate in any way that you/they are comfortable. You do not need to be Jewish or familiar with Jewish traditions in order to participate, you just need to bring your best wishes to celebrate with Sam and our family. As with any religious service, it is important that everyone be able to remain quiet and respectful, in order not to distract others or disrupt worship.
After the service, there will be a luncheon and reception at the synagogue for our invited guests. Fun will be had by all! The reception will end at approximately 4 PM, so if you are dropping off your child, you can pick them up then. If you have any questions, don't hesitate to send us an email at barmitzvah@scafidi.net.