We’ve been touched by the many ways families across the country have continued to celebrate their children’s Bar and Bat Mitzvahs during the Coronavirus pandemic. Building on the virtual Bar Bat Mitzvah, via Zoom or other platforms, drive-by Bar Mitzvah and Bat Mitzvah parades are now being organized to celebrate the honoree on their big day.
Photo above: Bat Mitzvah parade in Merrick, NY for Zara Selvin.
Jack’s @Home Service and Bar Mitzvah Parade
Jack Frankel of Huntingdon Valley, PA celebrated his Bar Mitzvah and his 13th birthday on the same day! With the help of the clergy at Old York Road Temple – Beth Am, the Frankels held the first virtual Bar Mitzvah service of their congregation, from their home. Following the service, Jack and his family stepped outside their home and were surprised by dozens of friends (and honking horns!) driving by to congratulate them. Their lawn was decorated with a large “Mazel Tov Jack!” sign and the family was able to wave to all of their family and friends. A family friend, Mark G, created a short video combining the service and parade which will be added to the front of his montage to be shown at his postponed celebration.
Sam’s Driveway Bar Mitzvah & Parade
The Flax family of Syosset, NY, had several weeks to prepare for their son Sam’s “new” Bar Mitzvah format. With their synagogue closed, they reached out to Rabbi Deborah Bravo of Makom NY, who worked with the family virtually to recreate Sam’s Bar Mitzvah service from the safety of his home. On the big day, more than 200 guests joined Sam’s Zoom Mitzvah to celebrate. Rabbi Bravo and Sheri Gutes, of Makom, joined the family virtually that morning to conduct the service.
That afternoon, the Flax’s received an unexpected phone call from their DJ, Party Harty Entertainment who told the family that they wanted to bring the party to their driveway! Truly a special Mitzvah moment!
A Surprise Parade For Ari and His Family
When Ari Taub of Memphis, TN celebrated his Bar Mitzvah it was the very first virtual Bar Mitzvah from his synagogue. They were able to get a Torah and portable ark to their home and the rabbi and cantor “zoomed” in to help lead the service.
Ezra’s Drive By Bar Mitzvah
Ezra Rosen became a Bar Mitzvah at his home in San Rafael, CA. A family friend organized a surprise drive-by parade to celebrate. Photographer Norm Levin captured the event, which was reported on in J., The Jewish Newspaper of Northern California.
Safe “Social Distancing” Drive By Celebration for Charlie!
Charlie Rosenbloom’s Bar Mitzvah was supposed to take place on Friday, May 1st at SPACE Events in New Jersey. While the family decided to postpone the entire Bar Mitzvah until October, the team at SPACE surprised Charlie on his 13th birthday with a DJ, step and repeat, red carpet and more!
We love how the true meaning and beauty of a Bar Mitzvah & Bat Mitzvah really shined through in each of these celebrations.
Thousands of Bar and Bat Mitzvah families are sharing information and ideas about virtual Mitzvahs, re-booking their celebrations and more in Mitzvah Market’s 17 regional Facebook groups. Join here.
