If you’re just starting the planning process for your child’s bar or bat mitzvah, it can seem overwhelming. However, in recent years a number of books have been published to help parents and children plan a ceremony that’s meaningful and fun.
Here are a few recommendations.
“The Bar/Bat Mitzvah Planner” by Emily Haft Bloom
This comprehensive book puts most of its focus on the party-planning aspect of the bar or bat mitzvah. Chapters on stationery, flowers and photography, entertainment and themes give parents what they need to plan the event. Tabbed sections and a pocket for business cards and other paper help keep everything organized.
“Mitzvah Chic: How to Host a Meaningful, Fun, and Drop Dead Gorgeous Bar or at Mitzvah” by Gail Anthony Greenberg
This book offers families one-stop help on all topics related to the event, including themes and additional reading for each Torah portion, great famous quotes to add to speeches, advice for the non-Jewish parent and project ideas for homemade invitations, centerpieces and more.
“The Bar/Bat Mitzvah Planner: Everything You Need to Organize and Plan a Meaningful Ceremony and a Joyous Celebration” by Gabrielle Kaplan-Mayar
Like having an event planner in your hands, this book contains a wide variety of resources for pulling off a fabulous bar or bat mitzvah. The book includes storage pockets, checklists, timelines, numerous tips, shopping lists and creative ideas for themes and activities.
“Putting God On the Guest List: How to Reclaim the Spiritual Meaning of Your Child’s Bar or Bat Mitzvah”
by Rabbi Jeffrey K. Salkin
When you’re trying to choose centerpieces and invitations, it can be difficult to remember that the bar or bat mitzvah is a spiritual event and an important milestone in your child’s religious life. This book aims to prepare the family for the sacred aspects of the ceremony by explaining the different aspects of Jewish holy texts and providing an analysis of the Shabbat morning worship service.
Salkin also addresses practical topics such as choosing a mitzvah project, divorced and geographically distant families, and keeping teens engaged with Judaism after the event.
These books range from $17 to $22. Two are hardcover and two are paperback.