Ella’s Bat Mitzvah FAQs for the Service Welcome to Ella’s Bat Mitzvah! We are thrilled that you are here to share this important simcha (joyous occasion) with us. When Ella is called to the Torah today, it will signify the culmination of almost a year of hard work. Becoming a Bat Mitzvah (literally, “daughter of the commandments”) is when Ella assumes the responsibilities for fulfilling the mitzvot (commandments), which are the central tenets of Judaism. She must be responsible for her moral actions and contributions to the Jewish community.
What will Ella do today? Ella will chant in Hebrew from the Torah (a handwritten parchment scroll containing the first five books of the Hebrew scriptures), lead some of the prayers, and present her learning and interpretation of this week’s reading in a d’var Torah (words of Torah). Ella has been studying with the cantor, Cantor Stewart Figa, for almost a year to prepare for this day, and we are grateful to him.
How will services proceed? We will start with the P’seukei D’Zimrah, the preliminary blessings and psalms, which will then lead to Shacharit, the morning service. After the amidah (the central prayer in the service), a very dear and close friend, Rachel Niewoehner, will speak to Ella. Then, Ella will deliver her d’var Torah. She will then read from the Torah. The portion is split into three sections, or aliyot, and several people will be called to the Torah for the honor of blessing the reading of the Torah. After the Torah reading is complete, the Torah will be raised for all to see, then wrapped and dressed. Following this, Rabbi Glick will say a few words. Ella will conclude the service and then everyone will have a chance to wish her mazel tov (congratulations) over unmuted Zoom.
What will Ella be reading for her Torah portion today? Ella’s full Torah portion is Vayishlach (Genesis 32:4 - 36:43). This portion is about Jacob wrestling with the angel and being renamed Israel, meeting up with Esau after being apart for many years, traveling to Shechem, the violation of Dinah, and Rachel dying during childbirth with Benjamin. On Thursday mornings, we read only a part of the Shabbat portion. This morning, Ella will read from Chapter 34, verse 1 through verse 17, broken up into three aliyahs. This portion tells the story of Dinah.
What is Ella’s Hebrew name? Ella’s Hebrew name is Rivkah bat Natan Rafael. She is named for her paternal great-aunt, Rivkah Feinstein.
What’s with the candy? At happy Jewish occasions, there is a long tradition of wishing people a sweet life by throwing candy at them. We invite you to eat something sweet in Ella’s honor as we pelt her with candy on your behalf after she finishes her Torah reading.
How can we add to your joy today? We are so glad you asked! Just by being with us on Zoom today you are increasing our joy, so thank you for that! Everyone will be muted for the duration of the service but, at the end of the service, we will unmute you so you can wish Ella a hearty mazel tov. Thank you all for being with us today!