In the Jewish religion, a boy is called to the Bema to read the Torah at age 13. To do this, he must learn the trope (melody) of the passage assigned to him. He also must interpret the passage for the congregation, combining his insight with the teaches of the Rabbinical scholars who have come before. It's not at all easy and when it's done there is a celebration ranging from a simple dessert to a full-blown extravaganza.
Elements of a Simple Bar Mitzvah Party
The most important thing is to choose a theme that ties it all together. It could be magic, sports, baseball, or a beach party. Whatever it is, it will inform the food, decorations, and party favors.
Once the theme is in place, it's time for the food. Face it. No celebration can exist without the food! Depending upon the synagogue, it may not be permissible to serve both meat and dairy - or even to have meat at all - but dairy will most certainly be welcome. Often there will be bagels, lox, egg salad, and tuna salad, along with butter and cream cheese. Vegetable and fruit platters are also fine as is vegetarian sushi or strawberries dipped in chocolate. And of course -- cake. There are specialty cake makers who can reproduce a photo or a picture to your specifications. If that's not in the budget, cake decorations from the party store will do.
Some decorations are in order to make the setting festive. The simplest and generally least expensive decorations are balloons. Often there are Bar Mitzvah balloon bouquets that include Star of David balloons within clear balloons or tucked inside mini-bouquets. The balloon weights can be covered with fabric and sit on the table or tucked inside a small decorated box filled with confetti or shredded paper.
Entertainment of some sort will keep the kids - and other guests - focused on something other than wandering off once the meal is done. It can be a band or a DJ but if simple is the goal, a magician or balloon artist or caricaturist are also great. If the entertainment can be tied to the theme, all the better. The idea is to have the entertainment start about an hour into the luncheon, right when the kids are done eating and getting restless.
It's customary for each guest to receive a tee shirt, hat, tote bag, or other favor with the Bar Mitzvah boy's name and date of the Bar Mitzvah on it. The favor might also be tied to the theme. If it's something small it can be included in a goodie bag filled with candy.
One very nice tradition people include is a cake lighting ceremony. All that's needed for this is a cake and 13 tapered candles with holders. Significant people in the life of the Bar Mitzvah boy are introduced and called forward to light one candle. The introductions give a sense of who the person is to the boy - like his Hebrew tutor or a favorite aunt or uncle. The final candle is lit by the parents.
Why Keep it Simple?
A simple celebration keeps the focus on the Bar Mitzvah itself. It celebrates the hard work and effort that went into the Bar Mitzvah preparation without supplanting the important event.
Gina Hagler - Gina Hagler is a freelance writer covering science/technology policy, news and events, and the impact they have on our world and in our ...
