Jews in Dallas Have Choice with New Bar/Bat Mitzvah Option

Feb. 23, 2009 - PRLog -- Studies show that one of the most popular religious rites amongst American Jews is the bar/bat mitzvah. That said, to all too many families their child’s coming of age celebration means that the family must join a synagogue they have never cared for, pay dues for several years, and go to services they have never wanted to attend. Above all, it means years of arguing with the child who does not want to go to Hebrew school and learn what he or she feels is irrelevant to his or her life. This all culminates with a cookie cutter one size fits all celebration, that is performance oriented, and which very few of the guests can understand and appreciate. Of course, some don’t even have that choice, as they may live where there is no congregation, or where the local congregation deems them not Jewish or not Jewish “enough”.

Rabbi David Gruber of Frisco, Texas, a northern suburb of Dallas, gives families another option. He helps the bar/bat mitzvah family and child build a ceremony with readings and blessings that speak to who they are, and involves the child, the parents, the extended family, and close friends, in a meaningful way, rather than just having the child perform and chant in prayer and biblical Hebrew. Gruber takes the time to get to know each family, and so each celebration is personalized to the child, the family, and their personal preferences and comfort levels. This kind of celebration is not only one that resonates with much more meaning for families; it is also one with much less pressure.  

Gruber, who used to be Orthodox, and was ordained by the Chief Rabbis of Israel, describes himself as a Jewish secular humanist. As such he is open to helping Jews of all stripes celebrate bar and bat mitzvahs. Though based in Dallas, he is also open to traveling throughout the heartland for the bar/bat mitzvah celebration.

To schedule your child’s bar or bat mitzvah with Rabbi Gruber, contact him at 469-222-0047, or rabbigruber@yahoo.com. Visit his website at www.barandbatmitzvah.net.

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Rabbi David Gruber supplies the Jewish community with an important resource in bar & bat mitzvah preparation. Rabbi David Gruber helps you & your child create a memorable, meaningful and unique bar & bat mitzvah celebration. Located in TX, however will travel anywhere in the heartland.