PLEASE JOIN US FOR
ZOE'S BAT MITZVAH
OCTOBER 25, 2025
We are excited to invite our family and friends to help us celebrate this significant milestone in Zoe's life as she is called to the Torah for the first time on her Bat Mitzvah. This marks a significant moment in her journey to adulthood in the Jewish faith.
SCHEDULE OF EVENTS
EVENT ETIQUETTE
We understand that the combined events make for a very long day. It is completely acceptable to attend only a portion of the events.
If you are not able to come to the service and luncheon, do not worry! The service will be streamed on Zoom for those who want to watch from the comfort of home. ​We do hope that you will attend the evening party to celebrate Zoe's accomplishments!
Please check off which events you plan to attend on the invitation response on Paperless Post.
BAT MITZVAH CUSTOMS
We are excited for you to join us for Zoe's Bat Mitzvah. Please see below for some information about the varous customs surrounding this event.
What is a Bat Mitzvah?
The term "bat mitzvah" means "daughter of the Commandment." Usually done at age 12 for girls, the ceremony represents Zoe's committment to be a responsible, ethical, and active participant in the community. To mark this occasion, Zoe will be called to the Torah for the first time - her offical transition into adulthood in the eyes of Judaism.
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Zoe has been practicing for an entire year for this day. In addition to learning the service and her Torah and Haftarah portions, she will also do a community service or "mitzvah" project to give back in the community. She has chosen "More Than Words" (see below).
What is the Torah?
The Torah is a sacred text that is handwritten in Hebrew on a delicate parchment scroll rolled around wooden handles. The Torah is stored in a special cabinet called an Ark when not in use. Nobody is permitted to touch the Torah with bare hands to avoid getting oils on the delicate parchment. Readers use a pointer or "yad" to keep their place while reading.
Each week, Jewish people from all over the world read the same portion of the Torah.
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It is customary to rise while the Ark is open as a sign of respect and to remain standing until it is closed.
What will Zoe do during the Service?
Zoe will help lead the service by reciting blessings and will sing her Torah portion, which is about Noah's Ark. She will then sing her Haftarah, which is an accompanying story. Once that is complete, Zoe will give a short speech called a "D'var Torah," reflecting on what she's learned.
Family members and friends may be honored during the service by being called up to do a reading, being given an "aliyah" where they read from the Torah, or being asked to come up to open and close the doors of the Ark.
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Services are in a mix of Hebrew and English. Please join in as you are comfortable. The prayer books are read from right to left (the opposite of "normal" books). The Hebrew is always on the right side and the English is on the left.
What traditions are followed in Temple?
Saturday is the Sabbath (Shabbat). Please turn off all cell phones and other electronic devices while in temple. Please keep them in your purse or pocket. If you have to make a cell phone call, please step outside of the building. Taking photos or videos on Shabbat is also prohibited.
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During the service, there will be occasions where the congregation will be asked to stand or to read together from the prayer book. You are invited to participate (or not) to the extent you feel comfortable. It is fine to remain seated if that feels better to you.
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Please try to keep all personal conversations to a minimum and speak softly so as not to disturb others.
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There is no smoking on temple grounds at any time.
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Temple services can be long and it is perfectly acceptable to step out into the lobby to stretch your legs, use the restroom, or take a break.
What should I wear to Temple?
Dress for temple is generally "business casual" - there is no need to wear a suit or formal dress. Please do not wear sweatpants, jeans or tank tops. Most women will cover their shoulders while in temple.
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We request that men take a kippah (head covering) from the bin outside the synagogue door before entering. Wearing a kippah is not a symbol of religious identity, but an act of respect for the sanctity of a place of worship. It is a custom that is similar to being asked to remove your hat in church or to remove your shoes before entering a mosque. Women may also choose to cover their heads, but do not have to do so. Some women wear hats or fold a lace circle in quarters and pin it to the back of their hair.
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You will notice some adults wearing tallit (prayer shawls). Guests do not have to wear tallit. Wearing a tallit is reserved for Jewish adults.
What is a kiddush?
A kiddush is a light lunch that is served right after services. It is open to the entire community, as well as all guests of Zoe's bat mitzvah.
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The kiddush will be served in the Social Hall. You may sit wherever you'd like and the meal will be served buffet style. Please do not bring in food from the outside, as the temple is kosher.
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Since it is still Shabbat, please do not use cell phones or take pictures or videos during the kiddush luncheon.
If you have any food allergies or dietary restrictions, please let us know beforehand so that we can help.
LOGISTICS
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TEMPLE EMUNAH LOGISTICS
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Please arrive no later than 9:50a.m. in order to avoid missing Zoe's portion of the service.
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The temple has a large parking lot with several handicapped spots up the hill and to the right.
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Please don't park on Piper Road.
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When coming in the main entrance, take the stairs or elevator to the 2nd floor to the Main Sanctuary.
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For parents dropping off and picking up, please use the front circle by the main door. Drop-off should be between 9:30 and 9:50a.m. Pickup will be between 12:45 and 1:00p.m.
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The Service will be available by Zoom for those who cannot attend.
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CAFE ESCADRILLE LOGISTICS
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Cafe Escadrille has a catering hall that is separate from the main restaurant. It is on the right side of the building if you are facing it on Cambridge Street.
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We will have balloons at the entrance to mark the way.
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The catering hall has a large parking lot and a backup/overflow lot right behind.
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For parents picking up or dropping off their children, please pull up to the front steps to let your child out or to collect them at the end of the party. Pickup time is between 9:15 and 9:30p.m.
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If you need help arranging a carpool, please write to zcsparty2025@gmail.com.
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OUT-OF-TOWN GUESTS
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We are so happy that you are joining us to celebrate. Please see the section below for links to the hotel blocks that we reserved. The blocks will only be available until September 24th and then the rooms will be released.
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Please look out for a separate invite to an Out-of-Town Guest Brunch on Sunday morning.
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If you need help finding a hotel or ideas for things to do in the area while you are here, please contact Alison.
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October is "leaf peeping" season in New England, so it is better to book on the early side if you can.
ACCOMMODATIONS
We have reserved room blocks at two area hotels. It is "leaf peeping" season in New England, so these rooms will book up quickly. Please book by September 24th to take advantage of the block.
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ZOE'S MITZVAH PROJECT
For Zoe's Mitzvah Project (a community service project), she is partnering with More Than Words, an organization that provides job training and services to youth ages 16-24 who are in the foster-care system, experiencing homelessness, are out of school, or are involved in the court system.
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At More Than Words, these youth are taught the skills needed to run an online and retail bookstore. They are given on-the-job training, while being connected with support services to help them make impactful life changes.
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Zoe's book drive will be running from October 1st through October 25th. Donations will be collected at various locations - we will provide information shortly. All books used in Zoe's centerpieces will also be donated after the Bat Mitzvah.
Please click the link to the right to find out more about the organization.​
