How to Write Your Bar/Bat Mitzvah D’var Torah
Filed Under B'nai Mitzvah Speech |
Using this outline for your Bar/Bat Mitzvah D’var Torah might help you to structure the speech. It is best to work with an adult or friend as you prepare this draft.
I. Introduction: Start with the words “Shabbat Shalom,” then tell us where your portion is from. What is the name of the parashah in the Torah? What chapters and verses are you about to discuss?
II. Summary: Summarize the Torah portion in your own words. You might need to read some verses before and after your portion to set the context in order to understand the meaning of your portion a little further.
III. Focus: Choose one part of your portion that is particularly interesting and important to you. Why do you find it interesting?
IV. Timeless Lessons: Ask yourself, “what is this all supposed to teach? Why is it a part of our history? What is the message of this portion? Why has it been important for so many years?” This is the section where you teach all of your family and friends the
V. Application: How does this lesson apply directly to my life as I prepare to enter Jewish adulthood? See if you can make a connection between your portion and your Bar/BatMitzvah. If you have a personal story or experience that illustrates your lesson, you can share it here. This is also a great place to share some of the Mitzvah projects you have been working on and to relate your mitzvah work to your becoming a Bar/Bat Mitzvah.
Written by Rabbi Daniel Gropper, of the Community Synagogue of Rye, www.comsynrye.org.
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