MAGGIE'S BAT MITZVAH

Maggie (my niece) had her Bat Mitzvah a few weeks ago. Maggie did such a great job learning her torah portion. We were all so proud of her and her major accomplishment. She trained for years just for this one day where she called upon to become the bar mitzvah. Maggie had to learn the entire haftarah portion, including the tradional chant, and recite that. She had to lead part of the service and the congregation in certain important prayers. The celebrant is also generally required to make a speech, which traditionally begins with the phrase "today I am a woman." The father traditionally recites a blessing thanking G-d for removing the burden of being responsible for the daughters sins (because now the child is old enough to be held responsible for himself).

I can't wait to see my kids up on the Beema when they become an 'ADULT' in the eyes of judism.

In case you don't know what a bat mitzvah is...

According to Jewish Law, every Jewish girl becomes a bat mitzvah at age 12 - a year earlier than a Jewish boy becomes a bar mitzvah due to the fact that girls mature earlier than boys. As a bat mitzvah, she becomes obligated by God's commandments - as prescribed in the Torah and as interpreted by Moses, the Prophets, the Sages and the Rabbis.