Jonah’s Bar Mitzvah – Guide

Jonah's Bar Mitzvah
A Brief Guide to the Synagogue and Shabbat

Dear friends,

We are delighted that you will be joining us for Jonah's Bar Mitzvah. For those less familiar with Jewish tradition, we wanted to share some brief explanations and practical notes about the day.

What is a Bar Mitzvah?

A Bar Mitzvah ("Son of the Commandment") marks a boy's coming of age in Jewish tradition. Upon turning thirteen, he assumes personal responsibility for observing the commandments.

A central moment of the celebration is the public reading of the Torah, the first five books of the Bible. On Saturday morning, Jonah will recite his Torah portion before the congregation for the first time.

What is the Parashah?

Each week, synagogues around the world read a designated portion of the Torah known as the parashah. The portion Jonah has prepared for his celebration is called Nitzavim–Vayelech.

Nitzavim (“You Are Standing”) and Vayelech (“And He Went”) are among the final portions of Deuteronomy and are traditionally read in the weeks leading up to the Jewish New Year. Their central themes include communal unity, personal responsibility, freedom of choice, and Moses' renowned call to “choose life.” They are portions that speak of transition, growth, and renewal, making them especially meaningful for a Bar Mitzvah, which marks a young person's passage into a new stage of life.

What is the Shabbat?

Shabbat is the Jewish day of rest, observed from Friday evening until Saturday evening. It is a time devoted to family, prayer, study, and community. Traditional observance also includes refraining from the use of electronic devices, creating space to disconnect from daily routines and be fully present.

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 5, 2026 — SYNAGOGUE SERVICE
Via Balbo 33, Rome
Ashkenazi Temple (lower level)
10:00 am

This is when Jonah will read his parashah.

During the service, men and women sit in separate sections of the synagogue. Men are also asked to wear a kippah (head covering) as a sign of respect during the service; these will be available at the entrance.

As the service will take place on Shabbat, we kindly ask that phones remain switched off throughout the service.

For security reasons, staff from the Jewish Community of Rome will be checking guests against an attendance list at the entrance. We therefore ask that you confirm your attendance in advance.

A traditional custom in many Jewish communities, is to shower the Bar Mitzvah boy with sweets as a wish for a sweet life. So if you happen to see candy flying in Jonah's direction, don't be alarmed—it is part of the celebration!

After the Service — Kiddush and Reception

Following the service, we will gather on the synagogue terrace for Kiddush, a brief blessing over wine and bread that celebrates Shabbat and, on this occasion, Jonah's Bar Mitzvah.

All guests are warmly invited to take part. A reception will follow.

RSVP

Please kindly confirm your attendance.

+39 379 207 3290

With love,
Michele and Gabriele

JONAH

Contacts

info@teatrodellayod.com

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