An overview of this Jewish rite of passage for 12- and 13-year-olds. What to expect and how to behave at a bar/bat mitzvah service. Tips for picking the right present for this Jewish rite of passage. How much do you know about this coming-of-age ceremony? Interfaith families should ask the rabbi about synagogue policies and honestly examine both parents' attachments to Judaism. A guide for bar/bat mitzvah guests and other newcomers to Sabbath worship. How to have a meaningful ceremony even if you don't belong to a synagogue. The bar mitzvah (and even more so the bat mitzvah) is a relatively new phenomena. Rabbis Without BordersCelebrating a bar or bat mitzvah is a unique and special time in the life of a child, family and community. ... Traditionally, the father recited one blessing during the service, but today, parents are often much more involved. Each Torah portion is paired with a passage from the Prophets. The bat mitzvah ceremony is of relatively recent vintage, with the first American observance in 1922. Suggestions for adding social action to this rite of passage. The defining moment of the ceremony is the child's first aliyah, but children may also play additional roles in the service. Parents, educators, rabbi, and student must work as a team to adjust the ceremony to the student's learning style and capabilities.