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Setting the Date for
the Bar and Bat Mitzvah
Orthodox Perspective
by Rivka C. Berman
Plan ahead. Some synagogues are so popular that they begin setting bar mitzvah
dates two or three years in advance. To avoid battles for good dates in other
congregations, bar mitzvah times are randomly assigned. Give your synagogue a
call now.
Party dates are important to set out in advance too. So many dates in the Jewish
calendar have restrictions on them. Different customs of observing the
Sephira period limit parties between Passover and Shavuout. Lag BOmer, when
celebrations are permitted, is often taken up with many celebrations and
activities. (One mother began announcing plans for her daughters Lag BOmer bat
mitzvah party several years in advance just so no one would take the date.)
During the three weeks between the 17th of Tammuz and the 9th of Av parties are
usually nixed. Summer parties are lovely, but tell your essential family and
friends in advance so they can plan trips and camp weeks around the date.
A glimpse at a Jewish calendar will makes your job easier. First get hold of the
Jewish birth date.
Jewish Agency's Jewish Birthday Finder comes in handy here. If your child is
born in Adar and will be celebrating a bar or bat mitzvah during a leap year,
then set the date in Adar II. (For example, a 5th of Adar birthday is celebrated
on the 5th of Adar II during a leap year.)
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