MAIN Home Life Entertaining Bat Mitzvah

In the Jewish tradition, the Bat Mitzvah celebrates the transition from girl to young woman.

Like the Quinceanera and the Sweet 16, this party for 13-year-olds marks a milestone in the life of the young lady and her family.

Similar to the Bar Mitzvah for 13-year-old boys, the Bat Mitzvan religious ceremony for girls is marked by special readings from the Book of Esther, the Book of Psalms or, where permitted, girls may even leading special prayer services with readings from the Torah.

Along with the solemn ceremony, Bat Mitzvah observances are also an occasion for a great 13-year-old party celebration attended by family and friends.

Like any teen party, fun themes should always take into consideration the hobbies or interests of the birthday girl, and include lots of activiities, entertainment and music.

Around the Web, discover more about this special birthday celebration at top sites offering expert tips on preparing for the Bat Mitzvah ceremony and staging a fun and memorable party to follow ...

More about Bat Mitzvah celebrations around the Web:

Bat Mitzvah Guide - Excellent, illustrated guide to the Bat Mitzvah ceremony that weaves tradition, culture and a celebration of Jewish womanhood with inspirational stories, resources, plus practical tips on party planning, decorations, centerpieces and gifts.

Bat Mitzvahs: 5 Top Party Themes - Great suggestions for teen party themes including tips on food, entertainment and party favors, with related resources.

Ideas for Planning a Bar/Bat Mitzvah in Israel - A handful of archived feature stories with suggestions for unusual locations, with details on the bell cave at Beit Guvrin, the ancient synagogue at Chorazin, Land of Israel Landscapes Park, and more.

Navigating the Bible II - Online Bar/Bat Mitzvah Tutor - Most of what you need to know, including the people, places, plants and animals occurring in the Bible, genealogy, learning to sing the Torah notes and more.

The First American Bat Mitzvah - A bit of history from the Jewish Virtual Library that chronicles the story of 12-year old Judith Kaplan who (upon discovering she had not be hit with lightening) grew up to write the first American Jewish songbook for children.

Do You Have to Be Jewish to Have a Bat Mitzvah? - Whether you answered yes or no, this article makes for interesting reading. Is the sharing of the tradition outside the Jewish community an idea whose time has come?