Vedibarta Bam—And You Shall Speak of Them: Bar Mitzvah

For Whom Is This Book? A Bar Mitzvah celebration is usually divided in two parts. The first is in shul where the boy is called to the Torah, (or reads the weekly parshah), and the second is at a festive meal. At both these occasions it is customary for speeches to be delivered. The Rabbi of the congregation, the principal of the boy’s educational institution, or his teacher will usually be among the featured speaker addressing the gathering. In addition, relatives or prominent members of the community may be called upon to address. The custom of Chabad is that the parent of the Bar Mitzvah says a few words in honor of the simcha (see Sefer Haminhagim). Hopefully, the thoughts expressed herein will facilitate that task.