Shira Melbourne

Bat and Bar Mitzvahs

Step into Shira Hadasha on any given Shabbat morning, and you will find Melbourne’s only Orthodox congregation that embraces women’s participation, community led services, children’s participation and a love of our Jewish heritage through a modern lens.

Similarly, your child’s Bat or Bar Mitzvah at Shira will be an experience like no other. Girls and boys alike are encouraged to read from the Torah and speak before the congregation. Don’t worry, we’ll guide you through everything from lessons to the Kiddush.

Visit our Simcha FAQ or download our 2019-2020 Simcha Guide for more info. If you have any questions, or to book a simcha,
please contact us.

Bnei Mitzvah Program

A significant part of having your bar/bat mitzvah at Shira is the learning process that accompanies this milestone. At Shira we believe that this learning extends beyond reading from the Torah. Our Program is  different to others in Melbourne in its focus on child-centered learning and egalitarianism. Our course is all about finding the ways in which each individual young adult best connects to their Judaism and their Bar or Bat Mitzvah process.

Whilst shule is not necessarily the centre of modern Jewish life, we want our participants to feel empowered and included in this environment and look back on this year as a meaningful time in their Jewish life, beyond the celebrations. Our participants grapple with Jewish ideas, ask big questions, and develop a strong and meaningful Jewish identity, all through the ethos of our egalitarian community. In order to make sessions more engaging, content is paired with games, art, excursions and plenty of discussion.

Your child does not need to be celebrating their Bar or Bat Mitzvah at Shira in order to participate in the program and everyone is welcome, regardless of denomination. Furthermore, sessions are designed so that they are accessible to all students, regardless of their Jewish educational background.

You can learn more about the program here. For more information on the program, contact admin@shira.org.au

Testimonials

"The bat mitzvah was a true rite of passage and transformation that comprised many aspects and layers...She took her full space as a ritual leader in the congregation, and did so with such grace, charm and intentionality. It was deeply moving for everyone, and not only for me her mother.

It makes a difference not only to have women who are willing and able to read Torah, but the presence of active young women taking ritual leadership encourages women both younger and older to take their place and have their voice in community".

- Rabba Melanie Landau reflecting on her daughter's Bat Mitzvah at Shira Hadasha.