Every society has its coming-of-age ceremonies. These are ceremonies that mark a shift from one stage of life to another. In the Jewish tradition, boys who turn 13 years old become accountable for their actions — this is known as a bar mitzvah.
The tradition changes slightly for girls and between Conservative, Orthodox, or Reform Jewish practices. Conservative and Orthodox Jews have a bat mitzvah when a girl reaches 12, while Reform Jews hold a bat mitzvah at 13. Since this is a special day for your son or daughter, it’s often accompanied by a big celebration with friends and family. You need to be well prepared and know how to plan a bar mitzvah so that everything can run smoothly. Here’s a guide to bar mitzvah planning that’s guaranteed to be a success!
Perhaps one of the most important aspects of the whole celebration is the date. The synagogue is typically responsible for assigning the date to the child. However, it’s often on a date very close to the child’s actual birthday. Bar and bat mitzvahs are most often on Saturdays, which is Shabbat in the Jewish tradition. In most cases, you’ll get assigned a date up to three years in advance.
A bar mitzvah ceremony can be an intimate gathering or a large party. The guest list should include the child’s family and friends so the most important people in their life can be there to celebrate this special occasion.
Traditional invitations by mail and online invitations are both acceptable for a bar or bat mitzvah. Send the invitations eight to 12 weeks ahead of the ceremony, and ask your guests to RSVP so you can get an accurate headcount for the venue. You can send a save-the-date ahead of the invitation if your out-of-town guests need to plan their traveling and accommodations.
Although the actual ceremony happens at the synagogue, you’ll need a serene environment for the party. The right venue is crucial because a peaceful environment will be memorable for your child and guests. When researching venues, consider if the place can accommodate the number of guests you’ve invited with space to spare for dancing, games and other activities.
At Colonial Golf & Tennis Club, we understand your need for exclusivity, which is why we only hold one event per day on the premises. We can arrange an outdoor party but can also move it indoors if the weather doesn’t cooperate. We’ll even help you make decisions regarding organizing a bar mitzvah ceremony, especially when it comes to food. We use on-site, indoor catering to make the entire process easier. You can trust our talented chefs to create a delicious menu for your bar mitzvah.
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Food and drink are among the best parts of the bar mitzvah reception. Select a menu of delicious foods to bring your guests together and thank them for being there on your child’s special day.
Colonial Golf & Tennis Club provides in-house catering for bar mitzvahs. We will create a menu unique to your bar mitzvah using fresh, locally sourced ingredients following kosher practices and other dietary specifications. Our catering team can serve breakfast, lunch, hors d’oeuvres or dinner banquet or buffet-style meals.
Since this is a party, entertainment is also an important part of your bar mitzvah. Depending on your budget, you can choose how to celebrate a bar mitzvah extravagantly or conservatively. Book your vendors soon after the date is set to ensure your top choices are available.
Since it will likely be a mixed-age party, you need to strike a balance for the various ages. The aim here is to let everyone feel included and avoid favoring one age group more than the other. Some entertainment to have at your bar mitzvah includes:
The decor at a bar or bat mitzvah should reflect your child’s personality. Let your child choose a party theme for the decor that represents their favorite colors, hobbies and interests.
Every parent wants their children’s bar mitzvah to be as memorable as possible. At Colonial Golf & Tennis Club, we’ll organize a bar mitzvah ceremony you will remember for years to come. With a breathtaking outdoor space and vigilant staff ready to help with whatever you need, you can trust us to handle this important life event. If your child’s bar or bat mitzvah is around the corner, contact us today to discuss and plan for that incredible occasion.