Sidney's Bat Mitzvah
Wassa Bat Mitzvah?
Welcome to Sidney's Bat Mitzvah page! We are so excited to celebrate this significant occasion with you. On this page, you'll find more information about the importance of a bat mitzvah in general, as well as some personal details about Sidney's event. Please peruse to your heart's content!
For more information about event details, please visit our FAQ page.
To let us know if you'll be joining us, please visit our RSVP page.
A Joyous Milestone
A bat mitzvah is a special Jewish tradition marking a girl's coming of age at 13 years old. It's a time when she takes on new responsibilities in the community and is recognized for her growing maturity.
For Sidney, this bat mitzvah represents a meaningful journey of learning, personal growth, and embracing her heritage. It’s a momentous event where she will demonstrate her understanding of Jewish values and traditions, and we couldn’t be more proud of her accomplishments. (Plus, it's a great excuse to throw a fantastic party!)
A Special Tribute
Sidney's English name is in honor of her maternal great-grandfather and her paternal great aunt, Sidney and Laurel. When she received her Hebrew name as a child (at the time of her brother's bris), her parents chose the name Chava to honor her paternal great-grandmother Helen, who had passed just before Sidney's birth.
Sidney is excited to share that she is changing her Hebrew name from Chava to Hadassah. While both names honor the same beloved great-grandmother, by keeping the "H" sound that starts each name, the name Hadassah gives a nod to the brave and heroic Queen Esther/Hadassah from Jewish scripture. Sidney wants a name that not only reflects her great-grandmother's legacy, but also resonates with her own sense of identity and strength. Esther/Hadassah was queen, spy, and protector of her people, and her actions are remembered in the Jewish holiday of Purim. To learn more about her, click here.
A Day of Ceremony
During the bat mitzvah service, Sidney will have the opportunity to lead parts of the prayer service, read from the Torah (the Jewish holy scripture), and share her thoughts on the readings. It’s a beautiful ceremony that highlights her hard work and dedication to her studies.
The service will be filled with heartfelt prayers, uplifting music, and inspiring messages. Family and friends will gather to support Sidney, offer their blessings, and celebrate this important milestone with her. After the service, there will be a small reception at the synagogue where we can all enjoy a bagel brunch. (No one leaves hungry—we’ve got you covered!)
A Night of Celebration
But wait, there’s more! Later that evening, we will reconvene for the big celebration. Expect great food, lively music, and lots of dancing. It’s going to be a night to remember, filled with laughter, joy, and maybe a few embarrassing dance moves from the parents.