For Kids--Putting God on Your Guest List: How to Claim the Spiritual Meaning of Your Bar/Bat Mitzvah (Paperback)

by Jeffrey K. Salkin (Author)
Key Phrases: becoming bar mitzvah, bat mitzvah celebration, doing mitzvot, Reform Judaism, Hebrew Bible, Messianic Age (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Review
A great resource for kids with every kind of Jewish background, even if you are a kid with two parents who are rabbis-like me! -- Joshua Zecher Ross, Age 13, Bar Mitzvah Parshat Noah 5759

A sensitive work that will help a young Jew be more aware of God's Presence on the day of bar/bat mitzvah and remain aware of that Presence in the everyday experiences of life that follow. (Rabbi William H. Lebeau (Conservative), Vice Chancellor, Dean of the Rabbinical School, The Jewish Theological Seminary) -- Rabbi William H. Lebeau

Reminds our young people that becoming b'nai mitzvah is less about the quality of their performance than about the quality of their lives. It is an important contribution in helping our youth make coming of age a sacred passage. (Rabbi Sandy Eisenberg Sasso (Reconstructionist), author of In God's Name; God's Paintbrush; and other books) -- Rabbi Sandy Eisenberg Sasso

We've used Putting God on the Guest List in our b'nai mitzvah program for many years. I've always wished for a companion book that could talk to the kids themselves. This is the book I've been waiting for! (Rabbi Laura Geller (Reform), Temple Emanuel, Beverly Hills, CA) -- Rabbi Laura Geller

Product Description
The kids' companion to the award-winning Putting God on the Guest List: How to Claim the Spiritual Meaning of Your Child's Bar or Bat Mitzvah -- Used as an inspiring part of bar/bat mitzvah preparation for parents in hundreds of congregations around the world.

Jewish youngsters and their parents need to turn inward at bar and bat mitzvah time and ask themselves these hard questions: "Why are we doing this? What does it all mean?"

At last, a guide especially for kids, to help them spiritually prepare for their bar/bat mitzvah. Explains the core spiritual values of Judaism to young people in a language they can understand. Questions at the end of each chapter engage kids and let them offer their own thoughts. A special section helps parents and kids find places to perform acts of tzedakah to honor the event.

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Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 9-12
  
• Paperback: 134 pages
• Publisher: Jewish Lights Publishing; 1 edition (August 1998)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1580230156
• ISBN-13: 978-1580230155
• Product Dimensions: 8.8 x 5.8 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 6.4 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #306,133 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

13 of 14 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Great companion book for Kids, March 28, 2000

By	Yael Horowitz (Colorado, USA) - See all my reviews

This version of Putting God on the Guest List is the perfect companion to the adult version. We liked it so much that we started a fund at our synagogue so that every child beginning the bar or bat mitzvah process receives a copy. In an era where the party has become more important than the ritual, this book help focus a child on the religious importance of his coming of age. A wonderful read.

10 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Emphasizes the spiritual meaning of Bar and Bat Mitzvahs, September 3, 2001

By	K. Corn "reviewer" (Indianapolis,, IN United States) - See all my reviews (TOP 100 REVIEWER)

In the frenzy of preparing for the big day, it can be easy to lose the focus and meaning of a Bar or Bat Mitzvah. Many kids may wonder "What is this really all about? Why am I doing this?" This inspiring, clearly-written book urges kids to think about the deeper meaning of the ceremony and of being a Jew. The emphasis is on spirituality and being mindful of God's presence everyday. I especially liked the section with suggestions and resources for acts of tzedakah as well as little mitzvahs.