While many people have heard of destination weddings, there is a new phenomenon approaching: the destination Bar Mitzvah / Bat Mitzvah in Israel!
Many people come to Israel to have their Bar Mitzvah and Bat Mitzvah at the Western Wall:
What is a Bar Mitzvah or Bat Mitzvah?
For those of you that don’t already know, here is the different between a Bar Mitzvah / Bat Mitzvah:
A boy attains his religious maturity and becomes responsible to fulfill all Torah commandments at the age of 13. A girl becomes equally responsible one full year earlier, at the age of 12, corresponding to her earlier maturation.
Tips for After a Bar Mitzvah and Bat Mitzvah
Here are some ways for the new Bar Mitzvah / Bat Mitzvah to “give back†to the community:
1. Participate in a charitable project.
We are very much concerned that the Bar Mitzvah / Bat Mitzvah process reflects the ethical and communal responsibility incumbent on a Jewish adult. To this end, we require each Bar Mitzvah / Bat Mitzvah student to design and complete a Tzedakah project during the Bar Mitzvah / Bat Mitzvah year. The Rabbi will discuss this project with the student at the initial meeting one year in advance of the ceremony and at intervals over the course of the year.
2. Reject materialism
Sources such as the Washington Post have described how elaborate and expensive a Bar Mitzvah / Bat Mitzvah celebration can be here in the States. A trip to Israel for this major family event for some families could actually be scaling down the trip!
3. Continue to participate. The religious journey of a Jew doesn’t end at Bar Mitzvah / Bat Mitzvah age! In fact, it should serve as a springboard to further mitzvot (religious observance).
