In Judaism, at the age of 13, a girl is considered a Jewish adult and is responsible for following the commandments. A Bat Mitzvah means daughter of the commandments. During the traditional Bat Mitzvah ceremony, Eden will lead prayers during service and read from the Torah. Eden has spent many hours preparing and practicing for this meaningful day and weekend and we welcome you to join us!

Services and the Bat Mitzvah party will all be at Temple Israel.
50 S. Moss Rd., Winter Springs, FL 32708
If your route takes you anywhere along Moss Rd., note that the speed limit is 25 mph and is strictly enforced by Winter Springs police.

While we would be happy to have you attend all three parts of the weekend, we understand it is a long time commitment and you are welcome to join us for whichever parts that you can! Services and the Saturday Kiddush luncheon are open to the community. The party on Sunday is by invitation only. If you received an invitation to the Bat Mitzvah, you are invited to the party. Services also will be live streamed at: https://templeisraelorlando.org/sanctuary-video-stream/

The Friday evening service includes prayers that begin Shabbat (day of rest). Services are about 1 hour, and are followed by an Oneg (small reception). Saturday morning services include introductory prayers, the main Torah service, and additional prayers. The rabbi will also give a sermon after the Torah service. Eden will be leading many of the prayers during the service, and will read from the Torah. At the beginning and end of the Torah service, someone will walk around the sanctuary carrying the Torah while everyone stands, and you will see people touching the Torah with their tallit or prayer book and then kissing the tallit or prayer book. This is a way Jews show respect for the Torah. You do not need to participate and can remain standing in place. Be prepared: Saturday morning services are about 3 hours. A Kiddush luncheon will follow the service in the Temple’s social hall.

Most of the prayers are in Hebrew, but there are also English readings. In the prayer book, the Hebrew prayers typically also have the English translation on the page. Hebrew is written and read from right to left, and thus the prayer book opens opposite of an English book.

No, you will not be asked to do anything and do not have to do anything you are not comfortable with. At times during the service, the congregation will stand which is a sign of respect, but is not a sign of religious affirmation. The Rabbi will announce when to stand and when to be seated. We hope you will enjoy learning about and experiencing a Jewish Shabbat service and a Bat Mitzvah. You will not be asked about your beliefs or interest in Judaism.

The kippah is worn by men in the sanctuary as a sign of reverence and respect, but it is not a religious symbol. It’s similar to removing your hat in church or removing your shoes before entering a mosque. All men (Jewish or not) are asked to wear a kippah. Special kippahs for Eden’s Bat Mitzvah will be available for you in the foyer of the Temple. After the service, you may keep the kippah or return it to the bin where you got it. If you attend the service on Friday evening, please keep your kippah to use on Saturday morning.

The Torah commands Jewish men to wear a four cornered garment with strings (tzitzit) on each end. If you are not Jewish, you do not need to wear a tallit.

Near the end of the Torah service, candy will be distributed. After the Rabbi addresses Eden, we will sing “Mazel Tov” and shower her with candy to wish her a sweet life as she becomes a Jewish adult. (After all the candy is thrown at her, kids can go collect the candy.)

Men should wear a dress shirt and slacks or a suit, and women should wear a dress, skirt, or slacks. Think “business casual.”

The party attire will be nicer casual.

Eden’s friends are welcome to attend services and the party by themselves. Plan to pick kids up from the party at 3:00p.m.

All meals will be kosher and include vegetarian and gluten free options. If you have other dietary restrictions, please let us know.

You may be greeted or hear other people saying “Shabbat Shalom.” This greeting is wishing the person a “peaceful Shabbat.”

Because Shabbat is considered a day of rest, no cameras or cell phones may be used Friday evening or Saturday. Please turn off or silence cell phones before entering the sanctuary. If you need to use your phone, please step out of the synagogue. You are encouraged to take lots of pictures at the party on Sunday, and please share them with us!

There will be a box and table to place cards or gifts at the party on Sunday.

Feel free to contact us!
Yaela: 407-247-9172 or yaelamarks@gmail.com
Larry: 407-456-3427 or Lar921@hotmail.com