Filed Under B'nai Mitzvah Speech |
After the Bar or Bat Mitzvah student has read from the Torah, he or she is usually asked to present a speech, or D’var Torah, which will elaborate on the Torah portion’s meaning and how it relates to his or her life. This can often be the cause of much trepidation, as you stand before a sea of faces waiting to be filled with words of wisdom, and hopefully, a little levity. There is no need to be nervous, because if you prepare and speak from the heart, you will prove yourself worthy of being a son or daughter of the commandment.
Here are some pointers to help:
1. Where to Begin: The student should explore the text and read the entire Torah portion (parasha) in translation. Research traditional commentaries from various Jewish thinkers online to gain further insight. Jot down some of the ideas that seem interesting and noteworthy. As you discuss these ideas with a parent, friend, or Rabbi, you will begin to see the focus of the speech emerge. And focus is important. The last thing you want to do is bore everyone with a summary of the entire portion. It is best to zero in on one or two ideas and run with it.
2. Make an Outline: List the main ideas you want to focus on and start to think about how you can illustrate these points through sharing stories about events and people in your own life. Ask: What does this Torah portion say to me and how is it relevant to me and my world? Start to outline these points and fill in the details with personal family anecdotes.
3. Interview a Relative: Interview a parent, grandparent or family friend about the ideas you are focusing on and use their thoughts and words to elaborate on your theme.
4. Start Writing: Now that you have an outline, you can put pen to paper. Some choose to go it alone, but you don’t have to. It is perfectly okay to have an adult work with you, as long as the seeds of the speech originate from you. The speech should reflect your own thoughts and feelings. There is no right or wrong here, it is truly a matter of interpretation.
5. What This Day Means to You: You should briefly express what becoming a Bar or Bat Mitzvah means to you and the role the Jewish faith has played in your life.
6. Humor: It is very important to include a few jokes (within reason, you don’t want to sound like a stand-up comedian) or humorous stories. Once you have them laughing, you have the audience’s attention and warmth at your fingertips.
7. Thank You: Make sure to acknowledge your Rabbi, Cantor, tutor, parents, grandparents and siblings for helping you get to this point.
8. Tzedakah: Talk about your b’nai mitzvah project(s) or charities you have been involved with and how they relate to your faith.
9. Length: It is best to keep the speech to no more than ten minutes.
10. Type it: Type the speech in a large font and double space it so you can easily read it from the bimah. Make a few copies and put at least one with your photo album as a keepsake.
11. Practice: The more you practice saying your speech out loud, the more comfortable you will feel. As it begins to feel natural, you can prolong eye contact with the congregants, and add nuances that bring the speech to life, such as raising and lowering your voice and facial expressions. Find an audience for a few practice runs and make sure your speech is clear, easy to follow and not boring!
12. Speak Slowly: It is very important to speak slowly and clearly so everyone has the opportunity to hear your words and learn from them. Make sure to stand up straight, it will help you project your voice better.
13. Have fun: You will probably feel some relief that you have finished reading from the Torah. Let that joy and pride spill into your speech and you will shine.
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