Bar Mitzvah

According to tradition, a boy becomes obligated to observe the Torah's commandments at the age of 13 years and one day. See FAQ.

Baruch Shepetarani

A blessing said by the father of the Bar/Bat Mitzvah thanking God for exempting him from punishment for his child's misdeeds. Until the son or daughter reaches the age of Bar/Bat Mitzvah the father is responsible, from this point on the child is responsible. This is said in some orthodox synagogues.

• Click here to read a Hebrew article on this blessing. http://www.daat.ac.il/daat/kitveyet/sinay/baruh-2.htm

Bat Mitzvah

According to tradition, girls become obligated to observe the Torah's commandments at the age of 12 and one day. In some congregations girls celebrate their Bat Mitzvah at age 13. See FAQ.

 

Bimah

Platform where Torah is read in the Synagogue. In some synagogues the Bima is in front. Traditionally, it is placed in the center of the synagogue.

Bnei Mitzvah

Plural of Bar Mitzvah. The plural of Bat Mitzvah is B'not Mitzvah. A mixed group is referred to as B'nei Mitzvah.

Books

You may receive a lot of these as presents for your Bar/Bat Mitzvah. You may want 'cooler" presents now, but your own Jewish library can give you years of enjoyment. Click here to see our suggested bibliography - if people insist on giving you a book, you can at least suggest one that will interest you!

Brachot

Blessings.

• To see the Brachot before and after reading from the Torah, click here
  http://www.saratoga-synagogue.org/page13.html .
• To learn more about the Brachot said before eating, click here http://learn.jtsa.edu/topics/kids/lessons/brachot.shtml
• To learn more about prayers and blessings, click here. http://www.jewfaq.org/prayer.htm

Building a Jewish World

A project of the Jewish Agency that links Jews all around the world through online educational and social programs.

• Click here to learn about the programs of "Building a Jewish World"
  http://www.jewish-world.org.il/Home1.asp?language=&pagelink=100