Lesson 2:2

Being Jewish – Life and Identity

Ivor’s Bar Mitzvah

Ivor did not have a Bar Mitzvah, the most important time in a Jewish boy’s life when they turn 13. In the film clip, we see Ivor in a dream sequence when he was in hospital. He dreamt he was in the Synagogue in Mako at his Bar Mitzvah, reading from the Torah (the holy scrolls), dancing in the Synagogue and hearing the chazan.

What does this sequence teach you about the importance of the Bar Mitzvah?

Why do you think Zoom put the dream sequence in the film?

Can you think of reasons Ivor would have been disappointed not to have had his Bar Mitzvah?

Research how Jewish boys and girls celebrate their coming of age today.

Extension Activity

How do different communities celebrate the Bar/Bat Mitzvah?
This could be based on denominational differences or the differences between Sephardic, Mizrachi and Ashkenazi communities.