SOPHIA SHKOLNIK

What is a Bat Mitzvah?

The term "bat mitzvah" means "daughter of the Commandment." Usually done at age 12 for girls, the ceremony represents Sophia's commitment to be a responsible, ethical, and active participant in the community.

To mark this occasion, Sophia will be called to the Torah for the first time—her official transition into adulthood in the eyes of Judaism.

Sophia has been practicing for an entire year for this day. In addition to learning the service and her Torah and Haftarah portions, she has also been working on a community service project to give back to the community.

What is the Torah?

The Torah is a sacred text that is handwritten in Hebrew on delicate parchment scroll rolled around wooden handles. The Torah is stored in a special cabinet called an Ark when not in use.

Nobody is permitted to touch the Torah with bare hands to avoid getting oils on the delicate parchment. Readers use a pointer or "yad" to keep their place while reading.

Each week, Jewish people from all over the world read the same portion of the Torah.

It is customary to rise while the Ark is open as a sign of respect and to remain standing until it is closed.

What Will Sophia Do During the Service?

Sophia will help lead the service.  She will be reciting blessings, giving a speech called the "D'var Torah," a short teaching on her portion in the Torah, reading from the Torah, and singing her Haftarah, an accompanying story from the Prophets. 

Family members and friends may be honored during the service by being called up to do a reading, being given an "aliyah" where they recite blessings over the Torah, or being asked to come up to open and close the doors of the Ark.

Services are in a mix of Hebrew and English. Please join in as you are comfortable. The prayer books are read from right to left (the opposite of "normal" books). The Hebrew is always on the right side and the English is on the left.

Temple Traditions

Shabbat Observance: Saturday is the Sabbath (Shabbat).

Please turn off all cell phones and other electronic devices while in temple. Taking photos or videos on Shabbat is also prohibited.

During the service, there will be occasions where the congregation will be asked to stand or to read together from the prayer book. You are invited to participate (or not) to the extent you feel comfortable.

Please keep all personal conversations to a minimum and speak softly so as not to disturb others.

There is no smoking on temple grounds at any time.

Temple services can be long and it is perfectly acceptable to step out into the lobby to stretch your legs, use the restroom, or take a break.  Tip: Avoid entering/exiting when people are standing or when the ark is open. 

Candy Tradition: During the Torah reading, keep an eye out: Sophia's younger siblings will pass baskets of wrapped candy down the rows.  Please take one and pass the rest along so everyone gets one.  These are not to be eaten.  

Later, after Sophia completes some of her key parts of the service, the Rabbi will invite everyone to gently toss the candy toward Sophia.  This is a fun and sweet tradition meant to shower her with blessings and Joy. 

What Should I Wear to Temple?

Dress for temple is generally "business casual."  Please dress respectfully and modestly.  Please do not wear sweatpants, jeans, or tank tops. It is customary for women will cover their shoulders while in temple. 

• For women it is customary to wear dresses, skirts, pantsuits, or slacks with a blouse or sweater. 
• For men it is customary to wear jackets, ties, or sport coats.  Dress pants with a button-down or polo shirt are also appropriate. 
• For children khakis and collared shirt works well. 

Head Coverings: We ask that men take a kippah (head covering) from the bin outside the synagogue door before entering. Wearing a kippah is not a symbol of religious identity, but an act of respect for the sanctity of a place of worship.

Women may also choose to cover their heads, but do not have to do so.

You will notice some adults wearing tallit (prayer shawls). Guests do not have to wear tallit. Wearing a tallit is reserved for Jewish adults.

What is a Kiddush?

A kiddush is a light lunch that is served right after services. It is open to the entire community, as well as all guests of Sophia's bat mitzvah.

The kiddush will be served in the Social Hall. You may sit wherever you'd like and the meal will be served buffet style. Please do not bring in food from the outside, as the temple is kosher.

Since it is still Shabbat, please do not use cell phones or take pictures or videos during the kiddush luncheon.

If you have any food allergies or dietary restrictions, please let us know beforehand so that we can help.

Temple Emunah Information

Address: 9 Piper Road, Lexington, MA 02421

• Please arrive no later than 9:45 AM to avoid missing Sophia's portion of the service

• The temple has a large parking lot with several handicapped spots

• Please don't park on Piper Road

• When coming in the main entrance, take the stairs or elevator to the 2nd floor to the Main Sanctuary

• The Service will be available by Zoom for those who cannot attend (link to be provided)

More Info at templeemunah.org →

Marriott Burlington Information

Address: 1 Burlington Mall Road, Burlington, MA 01803

• The evening celebration will be in the hotel's event space

• Ample parking available on-site

• Easily accessible from Route 95/128

• For parents dropping off or picking up children, please pull up to the main entrance

• Pickup time is between 9:45 and 10:00 PM

Out-of-Town Guests

We are so happy that you are joining us to celebrate!

Please see the Accommodations section below for information about the hotel room block at the Marriott Burlington.

If you need help finding accommodations or ideas for things to do in the area while you are here, please contact us.

May is a beautiful time to visit New England!