Bar/Bat Mitzvah Planning: Program Booklet

Many congregations allow – even encourage – creation of a Bar/Bat Mitzvah booklet for the service. This is compiled and produced by the family for distribution to congregants and guests by the ushers, or inserted into prayer books. It can have a variety of unique features aimed at relatives and friends, guests, congregants, non-Jewish guests, and so on. Here are some examples:

• A short description of the worship service as conducted at your synagogue
• A brief explanation of the meaning of a Bar/Bat Mitzvah, event or an essay by the
• Bar/Bat Mitzvah on the meaning of the day to him/her
• Poems or special readings
• A discussion of the current parasha, or Torah portions
• A list or description of the mitzvot performed by the Bar/Bat Mitzvah
• Comments from close relatives
• Photographs of the Bar/Bat Mitzvah. Be creative, but check with your Rabbi first before making copies to distribute.

Deborah Burman Carasso, of Unique Invitations, (1-877-837-9122) explains how a program was used for a Havdallah/ Hanukah Bar Mitzvah: “[The program] explained to guests the order of the service, the Haftorah portion, what it means, honors given, page numbers to follow, explanations of the Mitzvah Project, what Hanukah and Havdallah service is along with what the spice bags are for, thanks to people who have made this day happen…On the back had the directions for the dreidel game. It made non-Jewish guests feel much more comfortable now that they knew what was going on. And it serves as a wonderful keepsake of the special day! “

Vivian Singer of SingerSiddur (www.singersiddur.com) makes custom prayer books and supplements that could include custom art and poetry, a list of honors and alliyot, a welcome letter, transliterations of key prayers and more to make a unique bound memento.