A Bar Mitzvah is the time when a boy takes on the responsibilities of his Jewish faith.  Usually this occurs at the age of thirteen. 

A Bat Mitzvah is when a girl takes on the unique responsibilities of the Jewish tradition.  A girl may become Bat Mitzvah at the age of twelve or thirteen.

In the Bar/Bat Mitzvah process I offer the student and his/her family an opportunity to experience this journey together.  I meet with families to develop special rituals to customize the service.  The Bar/Bat Mitzvah writes a speech with the input obtained from family meetings together with the rabbi. 

Though your child will be conducting the service, reading from the Torah and chanting a Haftorah, I seek to engage the different generations of your family in the rituals.  We pass down the Torah from generation to generation.  We also have a special ceremony when the Bar/Bat Mitzvah puts on a Taliit (prayer shawl) for the first time.  Allow me to help your family create an unforgettable ceremony with lasting memories for your child, your family and the congregation.