Setting the Date for the Bar and Bat Mitzvah
Orthodox Perspective by Rivka C. Berman

Plan ahead. Some synagogues are so popular that they begin setting bar mitzvah dates two or three years in advance. To avoid battles for “good” dates in other congregations, bar mitzvah times are randomly assigned. Give your synagogue a call now.

Party dates are important to set out in advance too. So many dates in the Jewish calendar have restrictions on them. Different customs of observing the Sephira period limit parties between Passover and Shavuout. Lag B’Omer, when celebrations are permitted, is often taken up with many celebrations and activities. (One mother began announcing plans for her daughter’s Lag B’Omer bat mitzvah party several years in advance – just so no one would take the date.) During the three weeks between the 17th of Tammuz and the 9th of Av parties are usually nixed. Summer parties are lovely, but tell your essential family and friends in advance so they can plan trips and camp weeks around the date.

A glimpse at a Jewish calendar will makes your job easier. First get hold of the Jewish birth date. Jewish Agency's Jewish Birthday Finder comes in handy here. If your child is born in Adar and will be celebrating a bar or bat mitzvah during a leap year, then set the date in Adar II. (For example, a 5th of Adar birthday is celebrated on the 5th of Adar II during a leap year.)

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