A Bat Mitzvah is defined as – a ceremony that commemorates when a Jewish girl who is 12 or 13 years of age becomes an adult and is ready to take on moral and religious responsibilities.
Having done this once for my oldest and now being in the midst of planning my youngest daughter’s Bat Mitzvah which takes place this Saturday, I offer another more modern definition:
A Bat Mitzvah should be defined as – the time period leading up to the ceremony that commemorates when a Jewish girl becomes an adult at 12 or 13 years of age . . . and her mother becomes the Tasmanian Devil, whirling and twirling in all directions with no apparent purpose as the motion never seems to end; and her parents become ATM machines.
OK that’s all true. But it doesn’t cover everything. It doesn’t cover the pride I feel as a mom, when my girls stand up in front of friends and family and read from the Torah, showing all the hard work they’ve accomplished over the years and weeks leading up to the service. The Torah has hebrew letters and no vowels, so the kids must be prepared.
I’m very excited for this Saturday and yes there’s a huge party afterwards … but all worth it! If you would like to see the greatest spoof of Bar (boy) or Bat (girl) Mitzvah’s ever, there is a movie with one of my all time favorite actors, Jeremy Piven (Ari Gold on Entourage) called KEEPING UP WITH THE STEINS. It’s obscene and over the top … and it’s supposed to be. I don’t think you need to be Jewish to enjoy it. Just have a sense of humor about life’s excesses (even in this economy, it’s still a funny parody)!
So if I’ve been quiet lately or you don’t hear from me until next week, now you know why!
Carly Phillips would like to take 100% credit for all her stories but the truth is, Carly’s strength is writing family, emotion, funky elderly people and animals. She couldn’t plot her way out of a paper bag, which is why she smartly found her plotmonkey pals early on in her writing career. Thanks to their support, Carly is now a NYT Bestselling author of 23 plus novels. Because writing doesn’t keep her busy enough, Carly is also a wife, a mother of one preteen and one teenage daughter, the primary care giver of her soft coated Wheaten terrier and an expert carpool mom.
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I love that movie!
We have a few years left until the twins have their Bar Mitzvah. I keep telling hubby to make sure he is saving up for it.
Have a wonderful time this weekend and enjoy the festivities. It isn’t just for them reaching adult status- it’s for the parents surviving it!!
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Congratulations, Carly on your daugher’s Bat Mitzvah!
I attended my first “Bar Mitzvah” about 3 years ago. I enjoyed it so much! What a wonderful tradition! Personally, I love traditions. I think they are important and add a special dimension to life and should be preserved. They always make me smile and feel especially happy. As we were leaving the Bar Mitzvah
my husband said, “You would have made a very happy Jewish girl.” And he was right! Jews have so many wonderful traditions and I would have celebrated every one with gusto. My step-dad was Jewish and unfortunately we lost him in 1995. I miss him every day. He taught me so many wonderful things particularly about being Jewish. I bet my mother could still throw a beautiful Seder if she needed to. I can still make a delicious Noodle Kugle. 
Carly, will you post some pics next week?
We have snow coming in tonight and heavy snow scheduled for tomorrow and a little more on Saturday. YAY! We definitely need the moisture after the dry winter we’ve had.
Take care all,
Cher
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Carly, congrats to your family and to your daughter on her Bat Mitzvah! What a wonderful tradition in faith. I loved Keeping up with the Steins, but haven’t seen it in forever.
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Congratulations, Carly on your daugher’s Bat Mitzvah!
I know you are so proud of her.
Enjoy this time in both your lives.
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Congratulations Carly and Carly’s family!
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Congratulations Carly – I planned Bat Mitvah’s for both my girls – the stress was so intense but so worth it. The insane amount of money I paid on dresses, hair, and the “theme” party still makes me shake – but it was worth it in the end.
Enjoy the day with your daughter and have a wonderful time.
Mazal Tov to you and your family.
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Congrats, Carly, to your family and especially your daughter. I know you are very proud of her.
Keeping Up With the Steins was a wonderful
movie. I 
Have a wonderful weekend!
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Karen, Congrats to Youngest on her Bat Mitzvah! I know you will be tired, but, proud.
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Congratulations to your daughter and all the family! I also wish for you an extended
time for recovery afterwards!
Pat Cochran
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I hope Saturday comes off perfectly after so much time and effort Carly. I’m sure your baby girl will be even more amazing than she already is!
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Great movie! Have fun and enjoy the Bat Mitzvah. Did that a couple years ago with my youngest. Remeber to relax and enjoy the party! Mazel Tov.
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Carly- forgot to ask what the theme for the party was?