A bat mitzvah is a Jewish coming-of-age ritual for girls, marking their transition to religious adulthood at age 12 or 13. It signifies the point at which a girl is considered responsible for fulfilling religious commandments (mitzvot). The term also refers to the person who has reached this milestone and often involves a ceremony where she leads the congregation in prayer and reads from the Torah for the first time, followed by a celebration.
Sat, Dec 6, 2025
10:00 AM - 12:15 PM
Congregation Beth Shalom
772 W. 5th Avenue
Naperville, IL
Sat, Dec 6, 2025
1:00 PM - 5:00 PM
Bolingbrook Chamber of Commerce — Event Hall A
201-A Canterbury Lane
Bolingbrook, IL
Absolutely. While it does take place in a Jewish synagogue and there are prayers recited by the congregants, you can comfortably observe without taking any active role while supporting Isabel as she leads the service and chants from our sacred scrolls.
Both the Torah Service and Celebration are safety-oriented, self-contained locations with other kids and watchful adults where you can drop off your child and pick them up later. If you haven't been to a Bat Mitzvah, or you're just interested in attending the Service, you are more than welcome to stay and observe. The Celebration is intended for the named recipient only.
Same thing you would wear to church. Or whatever you're going to wear to the party. It's a mostly relaxed atmosphere, and nobody is ever judged for the clothing they wear. Family will be dressing up to support Isabel, friends are encouraged to do the same, but go with what feels right. Whether that's business casual or semi-formal attire, just be respectful.
At the entrance of the sanctuary are kippot (head coverings) and tallit (prayer shawls). Anyone (any age or gender) may wear a kippah (head covering) as a sign of respect and support, and Isabel has provided a keepsake pink and gold inscribed kippah that you may take home with you. Only Jews should wear a tallit.
Yes. Our rabbi is accustomed to having non-Jewish friends present for a Bat Mitzvah, and provides plenty of context in English about the service's procedure and meaning. There are prayer books in front of every seat and the rabbi calls out page numbers regularly if you want to follow along. There are times we stand for respect, you may do so if you are willing and able.
If you need to go when nature calls, leave the service and head back toward the main entrance. Continue through some double doors then find clearly marked restrooms on the right side of the hallway.
Isabel's Bat Mitzvah coincides with her 13th birthday weekend. It is not necessary to offer separate gifts for the two occasions, as we are celebrating them together. If you are considering a gift, please bring it to the celebration and not the service.
Please let us know if you’ll be joining us to celebrate this special day. If you have any questions or need further information, feel free to reach out via email or text. darien@kruss.com or 847-274-3911