Adelman, Penina, Ali Feldman, and Shulamit Reinharz. The JGirl's Guide: The Young Jewish Woman's Handbook For Coming Of Age. Jewish Lights Publishing, 2005.
The JGirl’s Guide is a first-of-its-kind book of practical, real-world practical, fun advice for a Jewish girl’s journey through adolescence. A wide range of writers addresses friendship, food, sexuality, self-esteem, and more.
Davis, Judith. Whose Bar/Bat Mitzvah Is This, Anyway?: A Guide for Parents Through a Family Rite of Passage. St. Martin's Griffin, 1998.
Explores the bar/bat mitzvah as a rite of passage for the entire family, with possibilities for healing and growth for all.
Hyman, Paula E. "The Introduction of Bat Mitzvah in Conservative Judaism in Postwar America.” Ed. Deborah Dash Moor. YIVO Annual. Vol. 19, pp 133-146. 1990.
A scholarly and readable article tracing the development of bat mitzvah in the Conservative movement.
Leneman, Helen. Bar/Bat Mitzvah Basics: A Practical Family Guide to Coming of Age. Jewish Lights Publishing, 1996.
A practical guide for the entire family about navigating the bar/bat mitzvah process, with chapters written by Jewish professionals as well as parents and teens themselves.
Salkin, Rabbi Jeffrey K. Putting God on the Guest List: How to Reclaim the Spiritual Meaning of Your Child's Bar or Bat Mitzvah. Jewish Lights, 1992.
The essential guide to the meaning and experience of bar/bat mitzvah, and its significance in the chain of Jewish tradition; also includes a guide to the Shabbat morning prayers. See also the companion volume, For Kids—Putting God on Your Guest List: How to Claim the Spiritual Meaning of Your Bar/Bat Mitzvah, emphasizing meaning over performance and ritual over the party.
back to top
