614:HBI eZINE

The Great Bat Mitzvah Makeover

Yes, we realize you, dear reader, are probably not a pre-teen. But we decided to tackle the issue of bat mitzvahs anyway because we have a problem on our hands. For too many Jewish girls, the bat mitzvah is no longer considered a meaningful rite-of-passage that connects them to their Judaism, but rather a theatrical event to endure. It's time to change that. Whether you're a mom, an aunt, a grandma, a sister, or just care about girls, we hope you enjoy our exploration of the topic and challenge you to send us ideas of your own on how to recapture the meaning of the bat mitzvah experience.

Michelle Cove, Editor, mcove@brandeis.edu

According to Rabbi Jeffrey K. Salkin of New York, the 1920s and 1930s saw the growth of the catering industry, which encouraged the transformation of bar/bat mitzvah from a ceremony to an "affair."

		Bat Mitzvahs Around the World Meet Barbara Vinick, who has been collecting bat mitzvah stories from Mumbai, Libya, Croatia, and other surprising areas of the world.

		Take Back the Bat Mitzvah! Four innovative ways to make the bat mitzvah more personal and religiously meaningful for girls.

		The Surprising Truth About Judith Although the first bat mitzvah in the United States was highly controversial, it was actually a pretty casual experience.

		Coming Down from the Balcony How a 47-year old woman from California ended up celebrating her bat mitzvah in Valencia, Spain.

		It's Not Supposed to Be Theater Coauthor of The JGirl's Guide explains why she is determined to make the bat mitzvah a more fulfilling experience.


		The Most Unforgettable Gift A mother helps her daughter "adopt" a Russian Jewish girl for her bat mitzvah.

		Resources Read more

614:The HBI eZine is generously funded by Annie Sandler.

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