So WHAT is a Bat Mitzvah?

And why is it such a big deal?

Bat Mitzvah means "daughter of the Commandment", or a young woman of age to be considered accountable to God in her own right for her moral choices and actions.

First, the fact is that Abbie is already technically bat mitzvah with her 12th birthday last month.  The point of the service and celebration is that she demonstrates to the community that she is prepared and ready to take her place as a literate adult member of of the Jewish congregation.  For this, she has had several years of classes now, and is entering an intensive year of Hebrew instruction to enable her to accomplish this goal. Another part of her preparation will include the selection of a community service project.  Not only is her participation expected in this, but she will likely be mentioning it to elicit support from those who attend her celebration. 

Secondly, this is truly a once-in-a-lifetime celebration.  While a wedding is certainly of more importance, in today's world, that may or may not end up as a once-in-life event.  This is truly a unique occasion.

Let me describe what will take place...

On Shabbat morning, 24 August 2013, services at Bnai Zion Synagogue will begin normally.  At the time the Torah service begins, Abbie will be called to lead this part of the liturgy.  Several dear friends will be called to the bimah (or podium) to be honored and/or read part of the week's Torah portion from the scroll.  Last of all, Abbie will read a portion.  The week's portion is called Ki Tavo, and she will be reading Deuteronomy 29:6-8.  If you are wondering why this is a "big accomplishment", I need to explain that not only is this in Hebrew, but the Torah scroll is written without vowel notations.  She will have to be well-trained to perform this task.

After the Torah reading, then Abbie will have to read the Haftarah, a selection that goes with the Torah portion from the prophets.  She will be reading Isaiah 60:1-22.  Next, she will address the congregation with a prepared speech.  After this, she will lead the congregation again in concluding the Torah service and will lead the responsive prayer Ashrei.  At the end of the service, she will give the blessings for the food we will enjoy afterward.

The service will be followed by a pleasant luncheon in the synagogue's social hall.  This is prepared for not only invited guests, but for anyone who attends the service that day, as a way of sharing our joy for her accomplishments.

In the evening, we will conclude the late ending of Shabbat with a "Seudah Shlishit" or third meal, followed by the Havdalah ceremony to mark the beginning of a new week. Then there will be a well-earned party for Abbie to just have fun with her friends.  

It's going to be a long day!