What exactly is a Bar Mitzvah?

At 13, a young Jewish man or woman becomes obligated to observe the commandments of Judaism. “Bar/bat mitzvah” literally means “son/daughter of the commandments.” The celebration of a bar/bat mitzvah signifies that the young man or woman is beginning and will continue to function as an active and responsible Jew in the synagogue and in the wider Jewish community.

Elliot will be helping to lead the service on both Friday night and Saturday morning. He will chant and read many of the blessings. He will carry the Torah (Jewish Bible) and will read from it in Hebrew. In addition, he will be giving the D’var Torah - a speech reflecting on his Torah portion and what it means to him.

I’m not Jewish, is it okay that I attend services?

Absolutely! By reading along or even saying Amen to anything that is spoken or chanted will not go against any other religion. We welcome anyone and everyone and CBI is a very inclusive congregation with many interfaith families. All of our prayers are written in Hebrew, transliteration and in English. We hope that you will join us at the Friday night service and of course at the Saturday morning service where Elliot is called to the Torah.

What should I wear to services?

Typically this is a dressy event. Women can wear dresses, skirts or nice pants. Men are welcome to wear a suit, but it is not necessary. This is Austin, so come as you are, but we’d love to see you dressed up. Men will be offered a yarmulke (skull cap) to wear, even our non-Jewish attendees. It is a sign of respect to wear one and will not go against any other religions or traditions. From My Jewish Learning, “Wearing a kippah is not a symbol of religious identification like the tallit, but is rather an act of respect to G-d and the sacredness of the worship space. Just as men and women may be asked to remove their hats in the church, or remove their shoes before entering a mosque, wearing a head covering is a non-denominational act of showing respect.”