Traditionally b* mitzvah celebrations are based around the Torah reading ceremony. The structure of the Shabbat (Saturday) morning Torah reading offers a maximum of potential honors that can be extended, and has been the main platform for b* mitzvah for countless generations. This demand even inspired a change of practice in the Reform Movement. Many Reform congregations now offer Shabbat morning Torah ceremony options for celebrating families. Historically the Reform Movement focused exclusively on Friday night Shabbat celebrations.
Every congregation will have its own requirements for having a celebration in its sanctuary, ranging from minimum years of membership, participation in the religious school, dues and fees, and ritual requirements. Beyond ritual requirements, some congregations have strictly defined roles and honors for celebrating families. If you are considering joining a congregation for b* mitzvah purposes, be sure to find out in advance if any specific needs you have can be met. This extends beyond honors, and includes event needs like photography, videography, and webcasting.
Here is the essential structure of the traditional Shabbat morning Torah service, and the potential for honorees at each point.
Service leader: B* mitzvah celebrant, rabbi
Ark Open/Close: Easily shared by a couple
Process Torah Carrier: One, if not the B* mitzvah celebrant or rabbi
Torah Readings: Traditionally 7, with the last few verses repeated as the “maftir”, often reserved for the student.
Torah Blessings: Up to 7 individuals, couples, or small groups depending on size of area
Maftir: B* mitzvah celebrant
Hagbah/Gelilah: 2 individuals lift and encase the scroll
Haftarah: 1 person reads the selection from the Prophets
Return Torah Carrier: One, if not the B* mitzvah celebrant or rabbi
Ark Open/Close: Easily shared by a couple
In a typical synagogue ceremony, a student might offer a “speech” after the Torah scroll has been returned to the ark. More refined practices might include the b* mitzvah sharing a few words of Torah (a devar Torah) as an introduction to the Torah reading, or offering personal prayers or statements of identity and meaning in front of the ark.
The ceremony outlined above is easily 90 minutes. The big variables are the amount and length of the Torah readings, the Haftarah readings, and the amount of time given to personal statements.
3 Important Matters:
Space matters! Make sure all the honorees around the Torah can fit comfortably.
Inclusivity matters! Ensure your space is accessible for all levels of mobility and ability, e.g. ramps, rails, hearing assist, etc.
Practice matters! Make sure the people carrying and lifting/dressing the Torah understand the physical nature of the roles. A dry-run for Torah readers and other participants is helpful. A “dress rehearsal” also offers a great opportunity for photography if not allowed in your synagogue on Shabbat.