WHAT IS A BAR MITZVAH?
A Bar Mitzvah is a coming of age ceremony for Jewish boys, the
time when they become adults in the eyes of the Jewish
community. He will assume moral responsibility for his actions,
and be expected to perform acts of kindness (tikkun olam -
repairing the world).
WHAT IS HE READING?
As part of the ceremony, Ian will read - in Hebrew - a portion of
the Torah, the five books of Moses. He will lead the congregation
in prayer and comment on the passage he read, and describe what
he has learned from it. The Torah is difficult to read, as it is
hand-written in Hebrew without vowels. Ian has studied and
practiced for many months for this day.
The Torah is read in portions over the course
of the year. The same Torah portion will be read on any
particular Sabbath morning throughout the world.
WHAT IS HE WEARING?
Ian is wearing a tallit, or prayer shawl. The first time someone
wears a tallit is on his (bar) or her (bat) mitzvah. The tallit has
special twined, knotted fringes known as tzitzit attached to its
four corners as a reminder to recall and obey the
commandments of the Torah. Ian’s sister, Jenna, got this tallit for
him when she was in Jerusalem, Israel.
SOME TIPS FOR OUR GUESTS...
- The service starts at 10:00am and ends around 12:30pm. If you are a little late, that's ok - the more interesting parts involving Ian won't start til around 10:30. And it's almost all in Hebrew so consider yourself forewarned :)
- Photography and cell phone use are not permitted during the service and in the building at all on Saturdays, so phones should be turned off or silenced before entering the
synagogue.
- The customary attire for the service would be jackets or shirts
and ties for boys, and skirts or dresses for girls. Sweaters should be worn to cover any bare shoulders while in
the sanctuary. Men and boys will also be asked to cover their
heads while inside the sanctuary, as a sign of reverence. Kippot
(head coverings) will be provided at the entrance for this
purpose.
PARKING AND OTHER DETAILS...
- There is a parking lot for the synagogue at the corner of Arlington Blvd (Route 50) and S Garfield Street.
- Arlington County is in the process of installing a bike lane in front of the building, but the walkway on Route 50 will still be accessible; if for any reason the walkway is inaccessible, you may opt to walk around the block, down S Garfield St
- If you are dropping someone off or picking up, please don't do that on Rt. 50. You can pull onto S Fenwick St.
THE KIDDUSH LUNCH
The service will be followed by lunch in the Congregation Etz
Hayim social hall. Parents can pick up their
children around 1:30pm.
RECEPTION
Join us back at Etz Hayim for a celebration party from 7:00 – 11:00pm. This will be hors d'oeuvres, drinks, desserts, and dancing. Attire is "anything goes!" Some folks like to dress up a little, but it is fine to be casual.