Bar & Bat Mitzvah at NEJC
Your child’s Bar or Bat Mitzvah is a milestone for the whole family. At NEJC, preparation is personal: it’s built around your child’s own Bar or Bat Mitzvah date, so they understand what they’re celebrating and feel confident on the day. For member families, tutoring with Rabbi Sabbach is free.
Enquire about your child’s Bar/Bat Mitzvah Call (03) 9857 9000
Photos from our Bat Mitzvah celebration at NEJC, September 2026.
How we prepare your child
Bar Mitzvah
- One-on-one lessons with Rabbi Sabbach
- Planned around your son’s Bar Mitzvah date
- Tefillin, the aliyah, Torah or Haftorah reading, and what it means to be Bar Mitzvah
- Number of lessons agreed with your family
Bat Mitzvah
- Guided by Rebbetzin Bassie Sabbach
- Thursday night Bat Mitzvah Club for girls approaching their Bat Mitzvah
- A celebration in the shule with family and friends
Not yet a member?
- Join NEJC and your child’s tutoring is included
- Or contact the office to talk about options
- We’ll guide you whatever your background
Programme dates are announced in the weekly NEJC newsletter. Ask the office to add you to the mailing list so you don’t miss them.
Bat Mitzvah Club
Our Thursday night Bat Mitzvah Club is for girls approaching their Bat Mitzvah. It is a warm, friendly group where the girls explore Jewish identity, values, friendship and what it means to become a Jewish woman, and the year comes together in a celebration in our shule with family and friends.
At our recent Bat Mitzvah graduation the girls were joined by their families on the bimah, took part in the candle lighting ceremony and celebrated with a festive celebration in our hall. Want your daughter to be part of the next group? Send an enquiry below.
How it works
Celebrate in our hall
Hold the kiddush or party right after the service. Our refurbished hall and secure outdoor area are a short walk from the sanctuary, with on-site parking for up to 50 cars.
Enquire about your child’s Bar or Bat Mitzvah
The Rabbi, Rebbetzin Bassie or the office will reply within 48 hours.
About Bnei Mitzvah
Jewish boys and girls under the ages of 13 and 12 respectively are not required to observe the commandments other than for the purpose of education. However, upon turning 13, a boy is considered an adult according to Jewish law and is expected to obey all the commandments from then on. He has become a Bar Mitzvah, or son of the commandments. Similarly, a girl becomes a Bat Mitzvah, daughter of the commandment, upon turning 12.
A Jewish youth automatically becomes Bar or Bat Mitzvah upon reaching the appropriate age. The accompanying ceremonies are not necessary to attain this status, and they are not mentioned in the Torah or Talmud. Many parents choose to make a celebratory ceremony for a Bar and Bat Mitzvah in order to impress upon their children the importance of this milestone in their Jewish lives.
In its earliest observance, the rite of passage was marked by a boy’s first reciting of the aliyah (call up to the Torah reading) at the first Shabbat service after his 13th birthday, after which the father says a blessing, thanking God for removing from him the burden of responsibility for his child’s sins. These duties have gradually increased over the years, and may now include reciting the haftarah (selection from the Prophets), reading the weekly Torah portion or leading part of the prayer service. It is also customary for the youth to make a short speech, which should contain a message from their Torah portion.