Bar- and Bat- Mitzvah is when a Jewish child takes his or her rightful place as another link in the 4,000 year old Jewish chain, and House of Jacob – Mikveh Israel, Calgary’s founding congregation, is an ideal venue for young men and women to become part of our precious legacy.
Bar- and Bat-mitzvah observances are free of charge to member families, and we invite other families to take out a year’s membership to join our program.
The goals of our Bar and Bat Mitzvah program are to:
- Recognize that the maturing young woman or man is now a full member of the Jewish community.
- Impart basic literacy in the Bible and rabbinic tradition, as well as in principal Jewish laws, beliefs and ethical values.
- Instill pride and joy in their roles as adult members of the Jewish people.
- Give expression to their new status through appropriate religious activities and sharing the fruits of their Torah studies.
For Boys
Teaching the blessings recited before and after being called to the Torah, help in preparing a Bar Mitzvah speech, and (if desired) training in the mitzvah of tefillin. The boy will be called to the Torah at Shabbat (or weekday, if the family prefers) morning services, the rabbi’s sermon and that morning’s kiddush will be dedicated in his honour, the boy will speak at the service and the parents (if they wish) at the kiddush, and the congregation will present the boy with several Jewish books of importance.
Boys are encouraged to read from the Torah and/or lead services.
Please contact the office for details.
For Girls
Imparting a deeper understanding of Jewish observance, customs and traditions, and women’s responsibilities in the Jewish family and community, help in preparing a Bat Mitzvah speech. On Shabbat morning (or Sunday afternoon, if the family prefers) the rabbi’s sermon and that morning’s kiddush will be dedicated in her honour, the girl and her parents (if they wish) will speak at the kiddush, and the congregation will present the girl with several Jewish books of importance.
Please contact the office for details.