In Jewish tradition, a boy comes of age when he reaches 13 years old and becomes a bar mitzvah with the rights and responsibilities of a man. The term bar mitzvah also refers to the religious ceremony itself; A bat mitzvah is the equivalent ceremony for girls, and both are occasions for great celebrations.
The tradition of following the religious bar mitzvah ceremony with a party is relatively recent. Even newer is the idea of traveling away from home to a destination bar or bat mitzvah, perhaps at a historic synagogue on a Caribbean island, or in Mexico, Italy, at a Colorado ski resort, or on a cruise ship.
Some reasons families may choose a bar or bat mitzvah away from home include:
- Grandparents, uncles, cousins live in different cities, so many family members are already traveling.
- The child may be nervous about reading the Torah aloud in front of hundreds of people at a local temple.
- The child may prefer a more low-key event with a smaller, more intimate group.
- The distant place has the opportunity to be a much less pressured event.
- Families may also want to escape the pressure of hosting a lavish bar mitzvah or bat mitzvah party after the ceremony. (In some circles, live bands and fancy catering are just the starting point.)
- The expense of a destination bar or bat mitzvah can be much less than the budget for a local celebration.
- Families may want to extend their stay after the ceremony and celebration and enjoy a family vacation.
Planning a destination bar or Bat Mitzvah
There are travel companies that can make all the necessary arrangements for a bar or bat mitzvah, from booking the rabbi to booking hotels and meals. You can check out destination bar mitzvah or bat mitzvah ideas at barmitzvahvacations.com.
If you are considering a Bar / Bat Mitzvah celebration in the Holy Land, you should refer to the Israel Ministry of Tourism website for an overview of the options and a wealth of resources. Also, consider which destination in Israel you would like to host the ceremony.
Another popular option is to have a mitzvah on a cruise. Destination Mitzvahs partners with 17 cruise lines and three all-inclusive resort chains and can host a ceremony on the beach, at a resort, at a port of call, or even on the ship.
Consider whether to offer travel expenses to guests or whether you will be responsible for your own travel. Also, consider whether you want to request that guests send gifts to your home or bring them to the destination bar mitzvah.
– Edited by Suzanne Rowan Kelleher
