Bar & Bat Mitzvah Rabbi in Buffalo, NY
Personal preparation and a meaningful, joyful celebration for your child’s Jewish coming of age — led by Rabbi Mendy Labkowski.
More than a party — a Jewish coming of age
At 13 for boys and 12 for girls, a Jewish child becomes a bar or bat mitzvah — responsible for keeping the commandments (mitzvot) and a full member of the Jewish people. The celebration marks that milestone, and the preparation is what makes it meaningful.
Rabbi Labkowski works with each child personally, at their own pace, so that they arrive at the big day confident, proud and genuinely connected to what it means.
Bar mitzvah preparation
- Hebrew reading and the blessings said when called up to the Torah (aliyah)
- Reading from the Torah or the Prophets (Haftarah), for those who wish
- Learning to put on tefillin (the leather prayer boxes worn on the arm and head) — and what they mean
- Preparing a short bar mitzvah speech (drasha) on the week’s Torah portion
- The meaning of the commandments (mitzvot), Jewish identity and becoming a Jewish adult
Bat mitzvah preparation
- Exploring the role and strength of Jewish women through Torah and history
- Meaningful traditions such as lighting Shabbat candles and baking challah bread
- A bat mitzvah project and speech that reflects who she is
- A celebration with family and friends that honors the milestone
The ceremony
There are many beautiful ways to celebrate. A bar mitzvah boy may be called to the Torah on Saturday morning or at a weekday Torah reading on Monday or Thursday, or celebrate with a special tefillin ceremony. A bat mitzvah girl may deliver her speech and celebrate with family and friends. Ceremonies can take place at the Chabad Center for Jewish Life, at your venue, or both. For more on the Chabad Buffalo program, see Bar/Bat Mitzvah at Chabad Buffalo.
Adult bar & bat mitzvah
Missed your bar or bat mitzvah growing up? You’re not alone, and it’s never too late. Rabbi Labkowski offers personal preparation for adults of every age and background.
Frequently asked questions
At what age is a bar or bat mitzvah?
A boy becomes bar mitzvah at 13 and a girl becomes bat mitzvah at 12, according to the Hebrew calendar. Rabbi Labkowski can calculate your child’s Hebrew birthday for you.
When should we start preparing?
Most families begin six months to a year before the date, though it depends on your goals. Reach out early — it’s never too early to start the conversation.
Do we need to be synagogue members?
No. Rabbi Labkowski works with Jewish families of every background, affiliated or not. The goal is a meaningful milestone for your child and your family.
Can the celebration be held at a venue?
Yes. Many families hold the Torah reading or tefillin ceremony at the Chabad Center for Jewish Life and then celebrate at a venue of their choice — or bring the whole thing to the venue. The Rabbi will help you plan what works best.
I never had a bar or bat mitzvah. Is it too late?
Never. Adults of every age celebrate their bar or bat mitzvah — some with their children, some on their own. It can be one of the most meaningful experiences of your life.
Let’s plan a meaningful milestone
Reach out to start preparing your child — or yourself — for a bar or bat mitzvah.