Archive for 2018

Poetic B’nai Mitzvah Ceremony Reading

Poetic B’nai Mitzvah Ceremony Reading

This poetic reading takes the Bar/Bat Mitzvah boy/girl on a journey from the revelation of the Torah at Mount Sinai until today – the milestone where s/he becomes a Jewish adult, fully embracing

The URJ’s B’nai Mitzvah Revolutions Innovations Guide

The URJ’s B’nai Mitzvah Revolutions Innovations Guide

This link will take you to the B’nai Mitzvah Revolutions Innovations Guide, a website highlighting Bar and Bat Mitzvah innovations that can be adapted by congregations. The Guide is organized into six categories:

Bar and Bat Mitzvah 101: History, Ceremony & Contemporary Issues

Bar and Bat Mitzvah 101: History, Ceremony & Contemporary Issues

This informative article provides an overview of the Jewish rite of passage for 12- and 13-year-olds, including the origins of the Bar/Bat Mitzvah, and how ceremonies, rituals and celebrations have developed over time. This resource

The Bar/Bat Mitzvah Guide

The Bar/Bat Mitzvah Guide

This 7 page long guide from Aish.com outlines everything you need to know about the Jewish coming-of-age ceremony. Rabbi Shraga Simmons introduces the rituals of the synagogue ceremony and reception, provides meaningful gift ideas, and

What to Expect at a Bar or Bat Mitzvah

What to Expect at a Bar or Bat Mitzvah

This short animated video provides guests with some basic information about what to expect at a Bar or Bat Mitzvah and how to navigate this traditional Jewish coming of age ceremony. It answers technical questions, such

Ketubah Texts from Across the Jewish Spectrum

Ketubah Texts from Across the Jewish Spectrum

This 22 page long PDF document includes a variety of different Ketubah (marriage contract) texts in Hebrew and English from across the Jewish ideological spectrum, including the traditional Aramaic Ketubah, two Conservative, three

If I Forget Thee, O Jerusalem: A Carlebach Chuppah Song

If I Forget Thee, O Jerusalem: A Carlebach Chuppah Song

This audio recording features Rabbi Shlomo Carlebach singing his original melody for “If I Forget Thee, O Jerusalem,” a Hebrew song often sung under the chuppah prior to the breaking of the glass, reminding us of the destruction

If I Forget Thee, O Jerusalem: A Chuppah Song

If I Forget Thee, O Jerusalem: A Chuppah Song

This emotive video features Elior Itzkovitz Cohen singing “If I Forget Thee, O Jerusalem,” a Hebrew song often sung under the chuppah prior to the breaking of the glass, reminding us of the destruction of the Temple in

Yaakov Shwekey: Tefilat Kallah – The Bride’s Prayer (English + Hebrew)

Yaakov Shwekey: Tefilat Kallah – The Bride’s Prayer (English + Hebrew)

With onscreen Hebrew, English and transliterated lyrics, this video by the well-known Jewish musical entertainer, Yaakov Shwekey, presents an emotive rendition of an excerpt of the Bride’s Prayer, traditionally recited by the bride following

Seven Circles: A Wedding Poem Inspired by Kabbalah

Seven Circles: A Wedding Poem Inspired by Kabbalah

This poem is based on the Jewish wedding custom wherein the bride circles the groom seven times underneath the Chuppah. Written from the perspective of the bride, the poem provides a blessing or intention