WHAT'S THE ATTIRE?
Nice/Dressy Casual.
Suit, tie, heels – all welcome, but totally not necessary! Following the ceremony, there will be dancing. So feel free to wear whatever makes you feel comfortable and festive.
WHAT HAPPENS DURING A BAR MITZVAH SERVICE?
- Bar/Bat Mitzvah translates to "son/daughter of the commandments."
- This cultural rite of passage signifies Pazel's transition into Jewish adulthood, marking the beginning of his active, responsible role in the synagogue and wider community. You'll witness Pazel's first public reading from the Torah (Aliyah), as he leads parts of the Shabbat (Sabbath) service. He'll share a speech (D'var Torah) where he'll connect a passage from the Torah to contemporary life, offering personal reflections and insights meant to inspire and guide listeners.
WHAT IS TSTI?
Temple Sharey Tefilo-Israel is an inclusive Reform synagogue.
Blending progressive and traditional Jewish values, TSTI prides itself on being welcoming to all ages, races, sexualities, religious backgrounds, and gender presentations.
SHOULD I COVER MY HEAD?
It's a common practice for attendees, Jewish or not, to wear a yarmulke or kippah (KEEP-ah) as a sign of respect.
Originating traditionally as a male custom, the practice has evolved into a meaningful and widely accepted form of religious expression for all genders and identities.
WILL YOU SUPPLY KIPPOT?
Yes! You might notice small caps as you enter the sanctuary.
Feel free to take one and wear it as a gesture of honor for the Bar Mitzvah boy as he marks this sacred milestone in his Jewish life. Feel free to keep yours as a souvenir!
ARE PHONES ALLOWED?
We kindly ask that phones are kept off and in a pocket or bag.
Please help us by reminding your child there is NO PHONE USE during services. While they are not to use it or take it out, if they must, it should be totally silenced as they step outside. Thank you for your partnership in this.
CAN I JOIN VIRTUALLY?
Yes, you can watch via Zoom right here.
There will be live streaming of both Friday night and Saturday morning services. It is password protected. Please reach out to us via phone or email for the password.
WHO IS INVITED?
The Friday and Saturday morning service are open to all.
For the reception following Saturday's ceremony, invitees are those addressed on the invitation. While we'd love to be able to have everybody stay for the afternoon, we're bound by pre-arranged numbers and capacity limits.
ARE THERE ACCESSIBILITY RESOURCES AVAILABLE?
Feel free to utilize the following accommodations.
Large Print Prayer Books and reading glasses of various strengths. Assisted listening devices, but you must sit down front. If anybody feels they need a Quiet Space, they are welcome to use the Family Room. There is a wheelchair and wagon available in the Coat Room. And a wheelchair lift between Gellis/Green Chapel and Bathroom hallway.
IS THERE PARKING?
TSTI has a huge lot with ample parking.
Once you park, walk down the steps to the plaza, toward a covered set of doors. This is the main entrance, and a security guard will greet you. We'll have ushers to help guide you to Bass Sanctuary, where the ceremony will take place.
GETTING THERE BY TRAIN FROM NYC:
NJ Transit has 2 direct Morris & Essex trains from Penn Station.
Mountain Station is a quick, 6-minute walk to TSTI via Montrose Ave and Scotland Rd. There is only 1 train every 2 hours. The next closest stop is South Orange. It’s a .7 mile walk to TSTI, but trains to that station run once every hour on weekends.
IS THERE A HOTEL ROOM BLOCK?
Yes, at The Hilton in Short Hills.
Be sure to reserve by January 7th. Visit the TRAVEL page for more info.
