Saturday, May 23, 2026

Shabbat morning service and adult bat mitzvah

10:15 am

Temple Beth Elohim is a 1300-family reform congregation in New England and is a welcoming, casual comfortable environment. A nice dress or slacks for women and button-down shirt with or without sports jacket for men would be appropriate. Head coverings are not required but yarmulkas and tallitot are available in the sanctuary.

The ceremony will last about two hours. Why a bat mitzvah now? Traditionally women become bat mitzvah at age 12; men become bar mitzvah at age 13. Then they are considered adults for participation in Jewish ritual with no ceremony required. It is never too late to become bar/bat mitzvah. Marci's bat mitzvah class includes 7 fabulous women who have been studying together with Cantor Shanna Zell. The class has learned to read Hebrew, participate in the Shabbat prayer service, interpret Torah, and to understand other spiritual and practical aspects of Judaism. Each of the women will recite a few lines of the week's Torah portion and lead a prayer during the service. Parking is available in the temple lot or at the Schofield Elementary School next door.

Kiddush luncheon

12:15 pm

The bat mitzvah class is hosting this buffet luncheon for our guests. There will be selections for those eating gluten-free, dairy-free or carb-free. If you have other dietary requirements, please let Marci know.

Reception, Dinner and Dancing

6:00 pm - 10:00 pm

Attire: Cocktail dresses, LBDs, dressy jumpsuits or pants for women; Jackets and slacks for men.

We have arranged complimentary valet parking at the hotel. Please identify that you are with our event and have a Sales sticker placed on your ticket. Tipping the valet is optional. If you prefer to self-park, ABM/Marine Parking Garage at 12 Drydock Avenue, Boston is down the street and charges $30 for over 3 hours. There will be a reception from 6-7 pm followed by dinner and dancing. Bring your dancing shoes (or sneakers) and get ready to party! In lieu of gifts, please make a donation in our honor. Our favorite charities are The Greater Boston Food Bank at gbfb.org or Temple Beth Elohim at tbewellesley.org.