by David Greenspoon | Dec 2, 2024 | B* Mitzvah
The Torah is read on Saturday afternoon during the brief minhah prayers, in an essential ceremony with three short readings. Following the conclusion of the afternoon service and a brief study session, the evening (ma’ariv) prayers are recited as night falls. These...
by David Greenspoon | Nov 18, 2024 | B* Mitzvah
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...
by David Greenspoon | Nov 4, 2024 | B* Mitzvah
Most people are surprised to learn that the entire idea of a bar mitzvah ceremony didn’t exist until around the 1400’s. In fact, the Talmud’s discussion about coming of age depended on the presence of physiological signs of puberty. The convention of coming of age at...