An Atheist Bar Mitzvah?

[jimkhong]

Hello jimkhong,

I understand your point. However, I think that an atheist Jew choosing a Bar Mitzvah would be equivalent to an atheist Catholic choosing Confirmation.

Celebrating Christmas as an atheist would be equivalent to celebrating Hanukkah as an atheist.

Thanks for your (name removed by moderator)ut!

Technically correct but confirmation is not seen in Western culture as the rite of passage (sadly) that Bar Mitzvah is to the Jews. You may say that in modern Western society today, the equivalent of Bar Mitzvah as a rite of passage is getting a driving license and your own set of wheels?

 

[lax16]

Technically correct but confirmation is not seen in Western culture as the rite of passage (sadly) that Bar Mitzvah is to the Jews. You may say that in modern Western society today, the equivalent of Bar Mitzvah as a rite of passage is getting a driving license and your own set of wheels?

Both a Bar Mitzvah and Confirmation require religious preparation which culminates on a day where the young adult stands before a group led by a priest or rabbi and participates in the ceremony.

I have been to many Bar Mitzvah’s and many Confirmations. There is some similarity.

However, eating latkes and matzo ball soup, while very delicious does not make for a religious ceremony.

And no, Confirmation is not a rite of passage for Catholics, but does that mean a Bar Mitzvah being a rite of passage, is NOT a religious event?

 

[jimkhong]

Both a Bar Mitzvah and Confirmation require religious preparation which culminates on a day where the young adult stands before a group led by a priest or rabbi and participates in the ceremony.

I have been to many Bar Mitzvah’s and many Confirmations. There is some similarity.

However, eating latkes and matzo ball soup, while very delicious does not make for a religious ceremony.

And no, Confirmation is not a rite of passage for Catholics, but does that mean a Bar Mitzvah being a rite of passage, is NOT a religious event?

I agree that a Bar Mitzvah is ostensibly an odd choice for an atheist, but what alternatives would you suggest as a secualr Jewish rite of passage?

 

[lax16]

I agree that a Bar Mitzvah is ostensibly an odd choice for an atheist, but what alternatives would you suggest as a secualr Jewish rite of passage?

Actually, in the case of my nephew, my (Jewish) husband suggests a luncheon with all family and friends invited.

 

[jimkhong]

Actually, in the case of my nephew, my (Jewish) husband suggests a luncheon with all family and friends invited.

Your poor nephew. I would find it boring and not memorable enough. It is no different from a fifth birthday party sans the clowns.

 

[jimkhong]

Unless you have rowdy family befitting a teenager’s idea of a good time.

 

[lax16]

Unless you have rowdy family befitting a teenager’s idea of a good time.

We do not see a problem with a party complete with teenagers and a band. It can be a themed birthday party or whatever he would like.

The confusion comes in with the ritual of the Bar Mitzvah.

 

[jimkhong]

We do not see a problem with a party complete with teenagers and a band. It can be a themed birthday party or whatever he would like.

The confusion comes in with the ritual of the Bar Mitzvah.

I agree it can be confusing. But I think most in that situation will look beyond a family dinner as a rite of passage. I guess there is no good answer to this one.

Any other suggestion from anyone who don’t fancy a family dinner?

 

[lax16]

I agree it can be confusing. But I think most in that situation will look beyond a family dinner as a rite of passage. I guess there is no good answer to this one.

Any other suggestion from anyone who don’t fancy a family dinner?

Yes, a party with family, friends, music, and the guest of honor’s favorite foods.