Synagogue to host several Sun City bar mitzvahs

By Jeff O'Brien

Thursday, Aug. 28, 2008 | midnight

In Jewish culture, a bar mitzvah — or the coming of age of a boy or girl — is typically celebrated at the age of 13.

But Temple Bet Knesset Bamidbar, a synagogue based in Sun City Summerlin for people age 55 and older, plans to add a new twist to an ancient tradition.

At 10 a.m. on Nov. 1, 19 members of the congregation who are age 83 and older will celebrate their longevity with a second bar mitzvah at the Desert Vista Community Center, 10360 Sun City Blvd.

"In the Jewish tradition, if someone reaches 70, and they're still alive, it's the start of a symbolic new life," said Rabbi Hershel Brooks.

During the celebration, the 19 synagogue members will recite many of the same prayers and blessings that they did as teens, much of which will be in Hebrew.

In preparation, Brooks hosted a series of classes to prepare the participants for the memorization and customs that will take place.

"The first class began in August and we had one session every two or three weeks," Brooks said. "Some of them will be assigned to do readings, others will give speeches or read prayers during the service. All 19 members will participate in the ceremony in both Hebrew and English."

Brooks anticipates this "second bar mitzvah" will draw a large crowd with many family members flying in from out-of-state. Temple Bet Knesset Bamidbar has more than 1,100 members and Brooks has been the synagogue's rabbi for the past 13 years.

During his services — which are held at 7:30 p.m. on the second and fourth Fridays of each month at the Desert Vista Community Center — Brooks said he tries to convey to the audience that there is so much left in their lives they can do for their family, friends and community.

"I want them to go ahead and enjoy their lives," he said. "Don't think that you're too old to do this or that, just try it. Have hope for tomorrow."

Jeff O'Brien is a reporter for the Home News. He can be reached at 990-8957 or [email protected].