The Bar and Bat Mitzvah Manual

In six workshops, students and their families learn how to make the b'nai mitzvah a sacred rite of passage, including how to plan a mitzvah project, outline a d'var Torah, and continue Jewish practice and education into adulthood.

Workshops also examine the history of the b'nai mitzvah ceremony, ways to bring God into the celebration, the significance of leading the congregation in prayer, and how to host a meaningful party.

The Bar and Bat Mitzvah Manual is a practical addition to your school's b'nai mitzvah curriculum and a vlauble tool for families mkaing plans to celebrate this milestone in their children's lives.

CONTENTS:
Workshop 1: What Is a Bar and Bat Mitzvah?
Workshop 2: The Torah Connection
Workshop 3: Finding the Sacred in the Bar and Bat Mitzvah Ceremony
Workshop 4: A Lifetime of Mitzvot
Workshop 5: Let's Celebrate!
Workshop 6: Living as a Jewish Adult

• SPECIAL FEATURES:
  • "The Real World" presents actual case studies of teens who transformed Jewish values and mitzvot into action.
  • "Teen Talk" offers activities to engage teenage participants alone or in groups, for example, how to choose a mitzvah project that is personal and relevant.
  • "Parent's Perspective" invites adults to reflect on what their child's bar or bat mitzvah means to them.
  • "Focus on Text" presents the b'nai mitzvah ceremony through the lens of Jewish values, and grounds it in Jewish tradition.

  ABOUT THE AUTHORS:
  Lisa Bob Howard has created and taught numerous education programs for Jewish teens. Lisa is the author of The Madrichim Manual and The Teacher Training Manual (Behrman House). Rabbi Steven M. Bob has served as rabbi of Congregation Etz Chaim, Lombard, Illinois since 1981 and has played a key role in making Etz Chaim the warm, welcoming community that it is.