A Bar Mitzvah at the age of thirteen is a once in a lifetime event. The special significance of this time, the essence of what it means to be Bar Mitzvah, and the rewards and responsibilities that come with it are all expounded upon in Bar Mitzvah & Tefillin Secrets.As the Bar Mitzvah boy steps over the threshold from childhood into adulthood, he is introduced to the Mitzvah of Tefillin. Thorough instruction at this crucial time in both the procedure, as well as the meaning of the mitzvah and the intentions one must have while wearing tefillin - will formulate the basis for a lifetime of proper mitzvah observance.Bar Mitzvah & Tefillin Secrets contains over 200 color photos that demonstrate exactly how and where the tefillin should be worn, as well as many other fascinating customs related to Bar Mitzvah and Tefillin.

The Jewish coming-of-age ceremony of bar mitzvah was first recorded in thirteenth-century France, where it took the form of a simple statement by the father that he was no longer responsible for his thirteen-year-old son. Today, bar mitzvah for boys and bat mitzvah for girls are more popular than at any time in history and are sometimes accompanied by lavish celebrations. How did bar mitzvah develop over the centuries from an obscure legal ritual into a core component of Judaism? How did it capture the imagination of even non-Jewish youth? Bar Mitzvah, A History is a comprehensive account of the ceremonies and celebrations for both boys and girls. A cultural anthropology informed by rabbinic knowledge, it explores the origins and development of the most important coming-of-age milestone in Judaism. Rabbi Michael Hilton has sought out every reference to bar mitzvah in the Bible, the Talmud, and numerous other Jewish texts spanning several centuries, extracting a fascinating miscellany of information, stories, and commentary.

A practical, concise guide to the laws and significance of tefillin, appropriate for beginning tefillin wearers of all ages. With illustrations and photographs, this user-friendly book takes the baffling mystery out of this special mitzvah, and opens our eyes to its beauty. A perfect bar mitzvah gift, or memento.

This book is a collection of thirteen intimate portraits of selected Talmudic Personalities.

An explanation of the mitzvah of tefillin. Includes photos of tefillin being made and how they should be worn.

Bar mitzvahs and bat mitzvahs mark the official entry into adulthood for Jewish teens. The day is anticipated and studied for, and remembered forever. In some circles, the parties celebrating the occasion can be the most significant social events in young people's lives-complete with elaborate themes and celebrity guests. But most important, bar and bat mitzvahs are serious religious ceremonies, with rich histories and deep significance for the participants. Here is a warmly written discussion of the time-honored Jewish coming-of-age ritual, its historical background and evolution. Also included are reflections on how this important tradition has affected the lives of those who have participated in it, with a special chapter featuring the reminiscences of well-known actors, television personalities, and sports figures about their own bar and bat mitzvahs. This concise, informative book will help young people preparing for their own big day-as well as their families and friends-understand and appreciate this joyous, spiritual occasion. Book jacket.

A striking look at the Jewish rite-and at American Jews in all their diversity Since its emergence here a century ago, the bar or bat mitzvah has become a distinctively American rite of passage, so much so that, in certain suburbs today, gentile families throw parties for their thirteen-year-olds, lest they feel left out. How did this come about? To answer that question, Mark Oppenheimer set out across America to attend the most distinctive b'nai mitzvah he could find, and Thirteen and a Day is the story of what he found- an altogether fresh look at American Jews today. Beginning with the image of a party of gaudy excess, Oppenheimer then goes farther afield in the great tradition of literary journalists from Joseph Mitchell to Ian Frazier and Susan Orlean. The two dozen Jews of Fayetteville, Arkansas, he finds, open their synagogue to eccentrics from all over the Ozarks. Those of Lake Charles, Louisiana, pass the hat to cover the expenses of their potluck dinner. And in Anchorage, Alaska, a Hasidic boy's bar mitzvah in a snowed-in hotel becomes a striking image of how far the Jewish diaspora has spread. In these people's company, privy to their soul-searching about their religious heritage, Oppenheimer finds that the day is full of wonder and significance. Part travelogue, part spiritual voyage, Thirteen and a Day is a lyrical, entertaining, even revelatory look at American Jews and one of the most original books of literary journalism to appear in some years.