Bar mitzvahs and bat mitzvahs are important milestones for Jewish people, and there are many ways to celebrate them. Many popular bar mitzvah and bat mitzvah celebrations are relatively new traditions, but many Jewish people appreciate the symbolism and enjoy observing the traditional aspects of coming-of-age ceremonies as well.

Aliyah

Some bar or bat mitzvah recipients may be called upon to participate in the Aliyah. If they participate, they will be called up by their Hebrew name during services to recite blessings and read from the Torah. After reading from the Torah, the congregation will sing “Mazal Tov” and shower them with candies as a symbol of sweet blessings. Afterward, they return to their seat, and their father gives a blessing. Many people request Manischewitz wine for the blessings.

This marks the traditional transition between childhood and adulthood. The subject of the ceremony is now considered to be responsible for their actions, meaning they will receive credit for admirable acts and blame for harmful ones.

Candle Lighting Ceremony

Candle lighting ceremonies are a fun way for Jewish youths to honor loved ones who have played a major role in their lives. At their candle lighting ceremonies, boys light 13 candles—one for each year of their life. Girls celebrate their bat mitzvahs at 12, so they only light 12 candles. Boys and girls often light an extra candle for good luck, meaning they can honor an additional person.

Each honored guest is called up in a particular order during the candle lighting ceremony. Many choose to light a memorial candle first to honor the deceased. Next, relatives outside of the immediate family are honored. Then, distant relatives and friends of the newly minted young adult. Close family and special guests are usually celebrated last.

A relatively new twist on the ceremony is the inclusion of songs for the lighting of each candle. As each honored guest goes up to join the guest of honor, the boy or girl is expected to recite a short speech introducing them and dedicate a song to them.

Reception

It is standard to have a reception after a bar mitzvah or bat mitzvah. It is a celebration that marks the end of one chapter of a child’s life and the beginning of the next one. These receptions are often large gatherings, and it may be necessary to find a local Washington D.C. event venue that can handle your guest list.

Food/Drink  

Food and drinks are important at any party. At a bar mitzvah or bat mitzvah, you may want to serve challah. Challah bread is standard at bar mitzvahs, bat mitzvahs and many other Jewish celebrations. Wine is also common when it is time to make a toast, but it will also be necessary to have a diverse selection of non-alcoholic drinks available at the reception since so many of the guests will be young.

Dancing

It is typical for the child to dance with their mother in front of all the guests at the reception. A venue with a stage or dance floor might be worth your consideration if you want your guests to have a good view of this special moment.  Another common dance is the horah. Since the horah requires the guests to dance in a circle, you might want to ensure your venue is large enough to safely accommodate your dancing needs.

Theme

A theme is not required for a bar mitzvah or bat mitzvah, but many boys and girls like to pick one. This is a celebration of “adulthood,” but the attendants will be tweens or very young teens, an age group that may particularly enjoy themed parties. The theme often matches a personal interest of the child, such as sports or a certain movie. Choosing a theme might make the event a fun and unforgettable experience for your child and the guests.

Tour CrystalView Today

If you are looking for a beautiful venue for your son’s bar mitzvah or your daughter’s bat mitzvah, CrystalView may be just the place. Our spaces have optional stages, dance floors, bars and much more. Our vendors can even offer beverages like soft drinks and coffee/tea.

We are also available for corporate events, weddings and other private events. Please, feel free to contact us via our website if you want to learn more about the amenities our venue offers.