This new form developed as a local practice rather than at the initiative of any of the Jewish movements, and it spread because of its popularity. The initial desire for a belated bar mitzvah was expressed by men who felt that their Jewish identities were incomplete because they had not had bar mitzvah ceremonies. Their sense of cultural deficiency even made its way into popular culture. Yet rabbis welcomed men who came in search of a ritual confirmation of their Jewish identities. His approach became well known and was a source of encouragement to individuals and rabbis in all branches of Judaism.
Adult Education and/or Adult Bar & Bat Mitzvah - Adventure Rabbi
Most descriptions of an adult bar or bat mitzvah tend to focus on people of a certain age: women old enough to have grown up when females had no ritual purpose on the bimah pulpit of any synagogue and year-old men who celebrate a second bar mitzvah, having lived a life span of 70 years since the first. But adult bar or bat mitzvah happens at many ages and for many reasons. The very lack of necessity makes such an effort even more remarkable as a concrete, hard-won, and public affirmation of Jewish identity and commitment. It felt very hypocritical to me.
Join Rabbi Korngold and other adults who wish to increase their Jewish knowledge as we embark on an adventure of mind and spirit, guaranteed to help you advance your Jewish studies and practice. We meet on the second Tuesday of the month from pm on Zoom. The class meets for eight sessions, from Dec July Imagine the potential of an hour of study with a Rabbi each month.
To coin a phrase, you would like a Re-mitzvah. Focus on Jewish culture more so than religion in your studies. One such bar mitzvah started with a Yiddish song about labor rights. The student then handed out a page of quotes from Jewish rights activists past and present. Those present studied them in groups of two, and the student taught about the connection between Jewish values and pending legislation regarding guest workers.