FAQ

So, What Exactly is Happening on October 2nd?

Glad you asked...at 9am at Temple Beth Sholom in Las Vegas, Henry will get up in front of everyone and read from the Torah, make a speech and do a whole bunch of other things in a language you will not understand. He will make the sudden transformation before your eyes into a full-fledged man. It's about 2 hours long and then we go into another room at the temple and eat bagels.

Later that evening at 6pm at the JW Marriott is the PARTY. Dress up in your cocktail attire and come ready for fun. There will be an open bar, plated meal (adults), an amazing buffet for the kids, a DJ and SO MUCH MORE! If you are coming to the party only, just check off "Aprés Ski Only" on the rsvp card, initial your meal choice (adults) and pop the pre-addressed stamped envelope into the mail. If you are coming to both the party and service, check off the "Full Day Pass" instead.

Can my parent tag along (question particularly for Henry's school friends)?

As much as we love your parents, it would be impossible to accommodate everyone. Please limit your RSVP to those addressed on the invitation envelope.

What is a Bar Mitzvah?

A Bar Mitzvah is a Jewish coming of age ritual for boys, whereas bat mitzvah is the equivalent for girls. According to Jewish law, when a Jewish boy is 13 years old, he becomes accountable for his actions (as a man) and becomes a bar mitzvah. This is a very joyous and traditional occasion.

The Bar Mitzvah service will take place at the temple starting at 9am. Henry will be called up to the bimah (raised platform) to read from the Torah.

What should I wear to the service?

Generally, you would wear to temple what you might wear to any religious service in a church or otherwise. Las Vegas is a very casual city so you may use your best judgement. Also, it does get pretty chilly in the temple during services. And, yes, there are several hours in between the service and the party, so you wouldn't wear the same thing to both the service and the party.

Do I need to wear a kippah? What if I’m not Jewish?

Wearing a head covering: A kippah, or head covering (also called a yarmulke), is traditionally worn by males during the service.

Wearing a kippah is not a symbol of religious identification, but is rather an act of respect to G-d and the sacredness of the worship space. Just as men and women may be asked to remove their hats in the church, or remove their shoes before entering a mosque, wearing a head covering is a non-denominational act of showing respect.

Is there anything I shouldn’t do in the temple synagogue on Shabbat (Friday nights & Saturdays)?

All guests and participants are expected to respect the sanctity of the prayer service and Shabbat by:

• Setting your cell phone to vibrate or turning it off.

• Not taking pictures. In traditional settings, photography is strictly forbidden on Shabbat.

• Not writing or texting.

• Not speaking during services. While you may see others around you chatting quietly–or even loudly–be aware that some synagogues consider this a breach of decorum.

What’s the significance of sitting and standing? (and when is the best time to go to the bathroom?)

Jewish worship services can be very athletic, filled with frequent directions to stand for particular prayers and sit for others. Take your cue from the other worshippers or the rabbi’s instructions. Unlike kneeling in a Catholic worship service–which is a unique prayer posture filled with religious significance–standing and sitting in a Jewish service does not constitute any affirmation of religious belief, it is merely a sign of respect. There may also be instructions to bow at certain parts of the service, and because a bow or prostration is a religiously significant act, feel free to remain standing or sitting as you wish at that point. In addition to standing for certain parts of the service, as led by the Rabbi, the congregation always stands whenever the “Ark,” the place where the Torah’s are stored is open.

And, on that bathroom note? While intuitively it feels like you will go unnoticed if you slip out while everyone is standing…that is usually a moment of religious significance. You are better to excuse yourself when all or sitting, or when the Rabbi gives the signal to be seated after a standing portion.

How long is the service?

It's long, I'm not going to lie. While the service start time is 9am, Henry's part won't actually start until approximately 45 minutes into the service. The service will be over at about 11-11:30am and will be followed immediately by the kiddush.

What is a Kiddush?

The Kiddush is a sort of miniature luncheon that occurs immediately following the Shabbat service at the temple. Light refreshments will be served, usually bagels, coffee, etc.

Wait, there's a party too?

Oh yes! After the service, rest up because later in the evening we will celebrate in style! There will be a formal reception held at the JW Marriott starting at 6 o'clock in the evening with music, dancing, food, drink and fun!

So, What about COVID?

COVID is here to stay, folks and the current mandates dictate that face coverings must be worn indoors at all times unless actively eating or drinking. Out of respect for those with compromised immune systems, it would be appreciated if all non-vaccinated guests could get a COVID test within a couple days before attending the party. If you are experiencing any COVID symptoms and feel you may have been exposed, please take the opportunity to rest at home and get better.

While the ballroom is indoors, we are lucky enough to be surrounded by several double doors that will be opened the entire party (weather permitting), guaranteeing us a very nice cross ventilation space.

Have more questions? Please feel free to email us using the contact us page!