The ritual I have chosen to write about is my Bat Mitzvah! Yes I am a Jew and proud to be one. Now I don't know how many people reading this even know what a Bat Mitzvah is, so I thought I would give a quick expiation. A Bat (for a girl) or Bar (for a boy) Mitzvah is a coming to age event where a young Jew basically says that they fully embrace Judaism as a whole. It's kind of similar to a quinceanera except not just for girls and it happens when we turn thirteen instead of fifteen. The most important piece played is the Hava Nagila and is accompanied by the Horah which is a traditional dance done at celebrations. Both the Horah and Hava Nagila are performed as an expression of joy and celebration during Bat Mitzvahs and weddings. Hava Nagila literally translates to Let Us Rejoice. During the Horah people form a circle and dance around either the bride and groom or in my case me to celebrate my coming of age. Then they throw you up in the air while you are sitting in a chair. It was actually terrifying. I thought I was going to die when they did it to me. People cheer, celebrate and sing along with the song. For Bat Mitzvahs multiple people can be thrown up in the chair. For mine it was my siblings, my mom, my grandma and me. Another song is called Simon Tov u'mazal Tov which is a short and sweet song to give everyone some mazal tov or good luck. The other ceremony that uses music is the candle lighting ceremony. There are thirteen candles and different groups or people that are important to me come up and light them. Each person or group of people has a special song that is played for each of them. They pick the songs that they want be played as they light the candle. I don't really remember the songs that got played for my candle lighting ceremony, but I remember everyone enjoyed figuring out what songs the other people picked. My Bat Mitzvah was definitely something and I did really enjoy it. However I wouldn't do it again. I don't like all the attention being on me and everyone kept hugging me. Though if you ever get invited to a Bat Mitzvah, you should defiantly go!
Hi Alex! I have always found Bat Mitzvas so interesting! I actually attended one when I was in elementary school for my sisters best friend. The tradition of it all is so beautiful and fun! I remember hearing the Horah to this day and loved the beat, and also remember the lifting of the chair! Thanks for sharing such a cool tradition!
ReplyDeleteHI Alex! I think Bat Mitzvahs are so interesting, but I have never gotten the opportunity to actually attend one. I would love to experience that tridition and watch everyone celebrate such a beautiful thing.
ReplyDeleteHey Alex, this was undoubtedly my favorite blog post on this topic. I ended up at a Bat Mitzvah once when I was very young, I wasn't invited and didn't know except maybe one person there and I don't remember how I got there, but I remember how lively and happy everyone was, it was an amazing experience. My mom is of Jewish heritage. Shabbat shalom! :)
ReplyDeleteHi Alex! I really enjoyed reading about your Bat Mitzvah! I've never been to one, but I've seen the Horah in shows and movies before, and I never knew what it was called. Thank you for teaching me! :) I learned the Hava Nagila on piano and it was one of my favorites to play. I had never heard it before, so I played it super slow and soft... my piano teacher had to correct me that it was, in fact, a song for celebration! So I had to learn it again, haha.
ReplyDeleteHey Alex! First off I want to say thank you for explaining what a Bat Mitzvah was, I have heard about them but never really knew about the background of them. I love how you included not on the traditions and rituals of the music but also the dances the accompany them. Overall I really enjoyed your blog and the pictures gave a great visual of what you spoke about in your blog!
ReplyDeleteHey Alex, I really appreciate you sharing your experiences, because I for one wasn't very familiar with the space. I also think its so cool that you are very proud of where you come from and what you believe in. You even have the confidence to say it and speak about it in your blog instead of just keeping silent about your beliefs and practices.
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