The main goal of the Bat Mitzvah is for this to be a positive and uplifting experience that strengthens your child’s Jewish identity and connection going forward. It's an opportunity for your child to study deeply, feel challenged in a healthy way, and feel a real sense of pride and accomplishment.

A typical Bat Mitzvah service includes:

• Prayers led by the bat mitzvah girl

• Traditional songs

• Speeches delivered by the Rabbi/Rebbetzin, the Bat Mitzvah girl,  parents, and family members.

• Candle lighting/Cup of blessing ceremony. A meaningful way to honor the young woman, family, and friends. It celebrates jewish culture and marks this important milestone with warmth and intention.

• Light refreshments or formal lunch/dinner.

The Bat Mitzvah can be celebrated with a service and party together as one event, or with the service at one time and the celebration held separately. Both options work beautifully and can be tailored to what’s best for your family.

There are three types of services to choose from:
1) Sunday Ceremony: The Sunday Ceremony includes:

• Select Prayers led by the Bat Mitzvah girl

• Bat Mitzvah girl delivers a speech, incorporating reading verses from her Bat Mitzvah Parsha and/or prayers she connects with, followed by her parents and the Rabbi/Rebbetzin.

• Cup of Blessing Ceremony, or Candle Lighting ceremony- a meaningful way to honor friends and relatives in the service.

• The Ceremony is approximately 45 minutes long, and can include refreshments or be followed by a formal lunch/dinner.

2) Friday Night Ceremony: On Friday evening, leading up to and welcoming the shabbat.

• Select Prayers led by the Bat Mitzvah girl

• Bat Mitzvah girl delivers a speech, incorporating her Bat Mitzvah Parsha and/or prayers she connects with, followed by her parents and the Rabbi/Rebbetzin

• Candle Lighting ceremony- a meaningful way to honor friends and relatives in the service. It is a beautiful way to welcome in Shabbat, practicing the special Mitzvah of a woman.

• The Ceremony is approximately 45 minutes long, and can include refreshments or be followed by a meal. Photography and music are welcome throughout, up until the actual candle lighting service.

3) Havdallah Ceremony: Begins 1 hour after the end of Shabbat (this option is primarily for the winter months). It includes:

• Havdallah - including the blessings, spice smelling, and fire blessing. If the Bat Mitzvah girl enjoys playing an instrument, this can be a beautiful way to incorporate that into the Bat Mitzvah celebration.

• Select Prayers led by the Bat Mitzvah.

• Bat Mitzvah girl delivers a speech, followed by her parents and the Rabbi/Rebbetzin.
  

The Ceremony is approximately 45 minutes long, and can include refreshments or be followed by a meal.

The Bat Mitzvah Ceremony may be held at Chabad of South Austin, at the Aloft hotel ballroom in Southwest Austin (with whom we have a relationship with) or at another venue of your choice.

All food at the ceremony must be certified Kosher (for a list of kosher catering options please reach out)

The Bat Mitzvah Ceremony may be held at the time of, or after, your daughter’s 12th birthday according to the Hebrew Calendar.

12 months prior

Meet with Rikki Hertz to discuss the vision, choose a date, and set up a study plan for your daughter’s Bat Mitzvah.

9 months

Tutoring Begins

2 months

Meet to finalize the ceremony details.

1 month

Rehearsal with the Bat Mitzvah girl and parents.

LESSONS
During private lessons with Rikki, your daughter will learn:

• How to read a prayer that she connects with.

• The meaning and background behind what a Bat Mitvzah means, as well as core Jewish background values.

• About Jewish Women throughout history that she can draw strength and learn from.

As they become adults in the eyes of the community, giving back to the community becomes an even greater value. We encourage between 5-10 hours of community service leading up to the ceremony. This can include volunteering, visiting the elderly, helping feed the poor and more. It will be discussed more extensively during a tutoring session.