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Bar & Bat Mitzvahs

Gifts of art from the heart

As bar and bat mitzvah celebrations have become more sophisticated and often more costly over the years, so, too, have many of the gifts.

Just add water

Beachfront locales and waterfront hotels offer L.A. families ‘see-worthy’ venues.

A new way to send out invitations

When Will Bernstein’s only daughter, Marjolaine, asked for a video to be included in the online invitation for her upcoming bat mitzvah in 2012, he was surprised to discover that there were no services providing that option.\n

From Russia, with love

Jill Cooper Lefferman doesn’t like surprises, and especially not at her daughter Maia’s bat mitzvah, where she planned every detail, from Maia’s reading from the 100-year-old Cooper family Torah to the handcrafted, color-coordinated, Maia-inspired, donatable centerpieces.

Special gifts for that special day

Finding the perfect gift for a 13-year-old can be difficult. You can always give a new bar or bat mitzvah money — in the traditional multiples of $18 — but if you’d rather give a more personal or meaningful gift, make it something they’ll remember.

Revolutionizing B’Nai Mitzvah

As a congregational rabbi, I am still surprised at the number of parents who have rushed up to me after a bar or bat mitzvah service and expressed this revelation. They are shocked at their sense of euphoria.

The ultimate bar or bat mitzvah playlist

Tired of listening to Kool & the Gang at b’nai mitzvah parties? Here is a playlist of 13 songs that will bring the shy boys and boy-crazy girls to the dance floor, while following in the talmudic tradition of adding a little commentary to the big day.

Making the cut

Pitfalls abound in trying to put together the perfect guest list, but don’t lose hope.

How to make b’nai mitzvah meaningful

I was meeting with an upcoming bat mitzvah girl the other day and talking with her about the Torah (what else?). I pointed out all the books that surrounded us in my study and mentioned that as someone who has published five books myself, how thrilled I would be if people were still reading even one of my books 20 years from now.

Eco-friendly aspects of the simcha can elevate a young person’s conscience

Given that many high-profile celebrities expound on the virtues of their environmental involvements (among them, Natalie Portman and Alicia Silverstone), it is inevitable that eco-friendly activities, foods and fashion — along with a side of social justice — will appeal to a wide range of teens … and that this will get some of them seeing green for their bar or bat mitzvah.

More news and opinions than at a
Shabbat dinner, right in your inbox.

More news and opinions than at a Shabbat dinner, right in your inbox.

More news and opinions than at a Shabbat dinner, right in your inbox.