INTRODUCTION 

Congratulations on reaching this milestone in your child’s life. According to Jewish tradition, a Bar or Bat Mitzvah reflects a major turning point, indeed a new beginning, in the life of a Jewish boy and girl, and as such, one should celebrate this milestone in a meaningful manner and with great joy.

Our goal at Chabad is to provide your family the opportunity to celebrate this special Simcha in a manner that is joyous and inspirational for both the Bat and Bar Mitzvah child and their family. With this goal in mind, we offer a flexible framework for this special occasion which is tailored to the each child and family, specifically and individually. We urge parents to contact us about one year before the Bat or Bar Mitzvah date. At that time a meeting will be scheduled to determine the exact Bat or Bar Mitzvah date, to enroll them in Bar or Bat Mitzvah Lessons, and to go over the procedures and options available.

BAR/ BAT MITZVAH – BECOMING A JEWISH ADULT
Bar or Bat Mitzvah literally means "Daughter or Son of the Mitzvot," which describes a young man or woman who is now responsible to fulfill all commandments. A boy attains mental maturity at 13 years of age and therefore becomes Bar mitzvah on his 13th birthday. Girls on the other hand mature earlier than boys, at 12 years of age, and therefore become Bat Mitzvah on their 12th birthday. At these respective ages, young girls and boys gain the intellectual maturity to discern between right and wrong and the ability to modify their behavior accordingly.

It is important to know that a Jewish girl and boy become Bat or Bar Mitzvah automatically, on their twelveth and thirteenth birthday, with or without a party. However, since this occasion is cause for great celebration and gratitude to G‑d, it is a great mitzvah to celebrate and mark the occasion properly.

EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS 
We require that your child enroll in Bar or Bat Mitzvah lessons as part of their preparation for their Bat or Bar Mitzvah at Family Shul!

Call us for details at 613-902-4394 or [email protected]. We are here to help you have the most beautiful and meaningful celebration as possible!