B-Mitzvah

Becoming a b-mitzvah is a meaningful lifecycle celebration, marking the transition from childhood to being a full participant in the Jewish community. B-mitzvah celebrations are held during the Shabbat morning worship service, where the young person is invited to lead the congregation in prayer, read from the Torah and Haftarah and deliver a d'var Torah. Preparation for this experience includes enrollment in Temple Beth El religious school and Hebrew school classes as well as private tutoring arranged through the temple (as determined by the religious education director and clergy).

"For many young Jews, a Bat or Bar Mitzvah is an exciting rite of passage when they become an adult in the eyes of the Jewish community. It is the first time the person is called up to the Torah. However, this ceremony can be extremely gendered (as evidenced by the name Bat/Bar Mitzvah: daughter/son of the commandment). While gendered language works for some people, it doesn’t work for all. The traditional language and practices associated with a Bar or Bat Mitzvah can exclude people who are non-binary, agender, gender fluid, gender-queer, or any gender identity that is not girl or boy.  This guide was created to help in the creation of an affirming, inclusive ceremony.

As you work to create a gender-affirming B-Mitzvah ceremony, remember that we are part of a Jewish tradition that is continuously evolving. For example, the coming-of-age ritual was originally (and still is today in Orthodox communities) only for boys. The Bat Mitzvah ceremony (for girls) only became popular in the US in the 1970s! Most branches of Judaism continue to grow and adapt in order to meet the needs of contemporary Jewish communities. There is a growing need for a gender-inclusive version of this ceremony, which is not surprising considering Judaism has a tradition of discussing gender diversity stretching back thousands of years!"