CCAR RESPONSA
New American Reform Responsa
36. A Bar Mitzvah at Home*
QUESTION: A child has been incapacitated by a serious accident and will be in a cast at home for more than a year. His Bar Mitzvah preparations are well along and the family would like to know whether they can celebrate the Bar Mitzvah at home. (Ted Danovitz, San Jose CA)ANSWER: The traditional Bar Mitzvah intended to declare that the young man was part of the adult community; the ceremony sought to involve the young man more seriously in the congregational life. A full discussion of the nature of Bar Mitzvah and its meaning for us as Reform Jews has been undertaken earlier (W. Jacob (ed) American Reform Responsa #33). Bar/Bat Mitzvah entails a considerable period of study and working toward a ceremony which possesses special meaning both in the traditional and contemporary sense. It is important to encourage this youngster in every way. He should continue his Jewish education and his involvement in the community. A Bar Mitzvah at home during the period of convalescence will encourage him. We should view this Bar Mitzvah at home not only in the traditional way, but also as part of the process of healing. We should encourage such a Bar Mitzvah ceremony. It should be held in the presence of at least a minyan composed of men and women, and the young man should participate in every way physically possible for him.August 1989
If needed, please consult Abbreviations used in CCAR Responsa.