Frequently Asked Questions

A bat mitzvah is a celebration of maturity in the Jewish faith. When a Jewish child reaches the age of 13 they can prepare for a ceremony in which they are welcomed into the community of Jewish adults. No, that doesn’t mean she’s getting her own apartment, just that the expectation for her in the Jewish community is that she will now take responsibility for her actions, and she has now has rights that come with those new responsibilities.

Short answer: Either a prayer or a meal, depending on the context. Longer answer: (courtesy of https://www.myjewishlearning.com/article/kiddush/)"Kiddush, which means holiness, is the prayer over wine (or grape juice) that sanctifies Shabbat On Friday night, the Kiddush is recited over a full cup of wine or grape juice before sitting down for Shabbat dinner and before saying the Motzi, the blessing over the challah. Traditionally, the Kiddush was recited by men. Today, in many households women and/or men recite the Kiddush. After the Kiddush is recited, the cup is passed around so that everyone can take a sip from it. Many families have a special cup, called a Kiddush cup, reserved for this purpose.On Saturday morning, the Kiddush is said after Shabbat morning services and before lunch. The Shabbat morning version of the Kiddush focuses on God’s commandment for Jews to observe the Sabbath and make it holy.The word Kiddush is also used to refer to a communal gathering held immediately following Shabbat morning services at synagogue. A synagogue Kiddush can range from a quick get-together over wine or grape juice and challah to a full buffet lunch."Ours will be a light buffet lunch.

For the Shabbat services, nice clothing in suggested (this is Seattle after all). For women and girls that might consist of a dress or nice pants and shirt or cardigan. For men that might consist of a suit or nice pants and button down shirt. Friday night services tend to be more relaxed than Saturday, so if you are going to both, save the nicer of your two outfits for Saturday. *Reminder; the synagogue tends to be on the chilly side so you might want to pack a light jacket if you tend to run cold. For the Open House, you are welcome to wear whatever you like, casual attire is encouraged - dress comfortably. You should dress for the weather, whatever that means in January in Seattle. Probably wet, possibly not freezing. 🤷‍♂️

In lieu of gifts, Margalit is requesting donations. Her favorite charities are related to תִּיקּוּן עוֹלָם, Tikkun Olam, healing the earth. Some favorite charities are:Tikkun Olam (Healing the Earth): Natural Resources Defense Council, Inc. (https://www.nrdc.org/) Friday for Future (https://fridaysforfuture.org/) Nature Conservancy (https://www.nature.org/en-us/) Clean Air Task Force (https://www.catf.us/) Helping People: Guide Dog Foundation for the Blind, Inc. (https://www.guidedog.org/) Mary's Place (https://www.marysplaceseattle.org/)

If you are unable to attend in person, you can participate virtually through YouTube:Friday Night Saturday Morning