Who knew there could be a religious ceremony such as a bar or bat mitzvah that does not have to be held in a temple/synagouge? I experienced my first off site Bat Mitzvah recently and have to say it was the most meaningful I've ever attended. The family decided that even though they were members of a local synagouge, they wanted a more intimate and meaningful experience. The service was held at a local Marriott Courtyard Hotel conference room. The room was full of family and friends. The service was led by a student rabbi and lay leadership. There was a torah borrowed from a synagouge and the service was warm and lively.
I was moved to think how many people could benefit from such an experience. Not all families have the finances to afford temple membership. Many children are not necessarily in the "in crowd" and feel pressure to have a large showing of peers. This is such a great opportunity for families to keep this often ostentatious event, simple and low key. What an eye-opener.
