What's Your Fondest Bar/Bat Mitzvah Memory?- Page 2

[Plum]

Posted: 10/23/04 at 8:51pm

My Orthodox grandparents didn't think it mattered if I got bat mitzvahed. And honestly, I'm fine with that. Studying Biblical Hebrew might have improved my actual Hebrew skills, but I'm somewhat doubtful of that. Maybe when I'm older I'll have regrets, but right now I definitely don't.

[The Grovers Corners Yenta]

Posted: 10/23/04 at 9:15pm

I have noticed on this thread that most who had the ceremoney emphasizes gifts and a party. It is like with weddings. Peolp put so much on the wedding and forget about the marriage. I am content with my own level of observance and spirituality . Enough said.

[Plum]

Posted: 10/23/04 at 9:22pm

I'll agree on that count. In certain communities it becomes all about who throws the biggest party. It's incredibly ostentatious and annoying.

[The Grovers Corners Yenta]

Posted: 10/23/04 at 9:24pm

Plum, I have seen Broadway productions with less fanfare!

[Mary_Ethel]

Posted: 10/23/04 at 9:28pm

My Bar Mitzvah wasn't like that. I studied the section of Torah I was going to read for weeks--I drove and drove myself until it was letter perfect.

I thought a lot about the whole purpose of the ceremony--"becoming a man in the eyes of God" and how I wished my Father (who passed away when I was seven) could be there to see me.

[The father I referred to in my initial post was my Step-Father, a man I despised.]

After the ceremony, when my very large family told me how well I had done, I felt warm all over.

To me, it was a lot more than just a party and presents.

Believe me.

[liotte]

Posted: 10/23/04 at 11:53pm

I am a rabbi's kid, so I had about 900 people show up to my bat mitzvah. I was freaking out, but did a good job. My only mistake- I wanted to hurry the service up and be done, so after I finished reading Torah and Haftarah, I started my speech and forgot about putting the Torah back in the ark first. Oops.
And of course the party and gifts, always the best part!

[BwayLover]

Posted: 10/24/04 at 2:32am

I didn't have a Bat-Mitzvah, actually. My twin sister and I got a trip to Europe with our grandparents instead, and since my sister is also my best friend, it was the best trip ever!

I don't know many Israeli girls who had a Bat-Mitzvah. It didn't even occur to me that I could have such a thing until I worked at an American Summer camp (Ramah) and they were all shocked I never had one.

[midnghtdolphin]

Posted: 10/24/04 at 5:42am

i didn't actually want a bat mitzvah... didn't have a choice. my dad made me do it, so yeah, the party was the best part. although, not having to go to temple again (except for my younger sister's 4 years later) was really nice cause i ALWAYS fought with the rabbi... i'll probably be there roasting with matt_g for that one. he hated me though, and picked on me, and, well... no one's ever said that i have the best attitude. so yeah, i always fought back. oh well. it's over. haven't been to temple since my sister's bat mitzvah like 4 years ago.

[My Fair Lady]

Posted: 10/24/04 at 9:26am

My bat mitzvah was fun. I didn't have to read the Torah, but I had to make a speech. I didn't know anyone there. I also went to Israel with a group of friends over the summer when I turned 12 for my bat mitzvah. I got to stay at the King David in Jerusalem and my sister and dad got fooled by someone who claimed they were in Coldplay but really weren't. Very amusing. When he asked if I wanted his autograph, I didn't hear him and I walked away. It was fun.

[Unknown User]

Posted: 10/24/04 at 11:12am

my cousins grandma or something had her batmitzvah when she was NINETY FOUR!!!

[Unknown User]

Posted: 10/24/04 at 11:12am

my cousins grandma or something had her batmitzvah when she was NINETY FOUR!!!

[Plum]

Posted: 10/24/04 at 3:10pm

I didn't even think of that, but it is sort of an American thing, isn't it? Geez, no wonder I feel weird whenever I go toone.