Bar / Bat Mitzvah

Introduction

Discuss with pupils the idea of ‘adulthood’. In their opinion, what is the best / worst thing about being an adult? At what age does a person become an adult? How should the occasion of reaching adulthood be marked?

Main Activity

In Judaism, boys and girls become ‘adults’ when they undertake their Bar / Bat Mitzvah ceremony. From this point on, they become responsible for keeping God’s commandments.

During the ceremony, the Bar / Bat Mitzvah must read aloud from the Torah in the synagogue.

Go to www.pbase.com/adlerphotos/bar_mitzvah_photos .

Through researching the topic of Bar / Bat Mitzvah try to understand what is going on in each image.

Extension

Interview a Jewish person about his/her Bar / Bat Mitzvah.

Plenary

Write captions or commentary to accompany the images on the Bar Mitzvah website.