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Non-Jewish Mothers and the Blessings on the Torah
Could an aliyah be a way to honor the sacrifices of a non-Jewish mother who raises a Jewish child?
Objecting to Conscientious Objection
According to at least one scholar, Jewish tradition does not recognize the right of personal conscientious objection.
The Gentle Heart in Israel Today
Extending a biblical exemption from military service to Israeli refuseniks.
In This Place and Time–New Traditional Bat Mitzvah
The women's prayer service is becoming the choice venue for a bat mitzvah in Orthodox synagogues that value egalitarianism and learning.
Orthodox Judaism Grapples with Bat Mitzvah
As girls have become the educational equals of boys in Orthodox Judaism, rabbis need to explore halakhah to create a normative bat mitzvah ceremony.
History of Bar Mitzvah
Originally bar mitzvah meant simply "coming of age." The ceremony developed much later.
Adopted Children, Conversion, and the Bar/Bat Mitzvah
For converted children, bar/bat mitzvah is a time for affirming their connections with Judaism.
Putting the ‘Mitzvah’ Back into Bar and Bat Mitzvah
Mitzvah projects are often part of the bar/bat mitzvah observance .
Tips for Planning a Bar/Bat Mitzvah When the Parents Are Divorced
Divorced parents must rise above their own differences and make the day special for the child.
Making Your Own Ritual Objects
Creating a tallit (prayer shawl) or designing a bar/bat mitzvah invitation can add a meaningful personal dimension to the celebration.