6386 —חגיגות בת מצוה בשבת והשפעה קהילתית

B"H, 13 Tammuz, 5718.

Brooklyn.

Haraha"g vavac"h iy"a nu"n oseik b'tzt"z Yechezkel Hartman

Shalom u'Vrachah!

After the longest pause, I received your letter from the eve of 12 Tammuz, the Festival of Redemption of the Rebbe Rayatz. In it, you raise the issue of the Bat Mitzvah custom which in recent years has also entered circles that are G‑d-fearing, to the point that it has almost become something impossible to abolish; rather, the question is in what manner it is best arranged. You mention that it is customary to do this on Friday evening—apparently meaning on Shabbat night—and if I had the ability in this country, I would have abolished this practice from the outset. People already regret holding Bar Mitzvahs on Shabbat because of Torah reading and are aware of the pitfalls that result from this, including public behaviors contrary to proper Shabbat observance. Thus, they call a Jewish boy's entry into mitzvah obligations and Torah study by this event. Naturally, there is great concern that establishing any celebration on Friday night or Shabbat day—even if in certain cases it does not lead to desecration of Shabbat—there is no guarantee for this now and in this place; all the more so in other places or in the near future where there is even greater doubt.

I have already spoken with several rabbis regarding their synagogue practices: they should strive as much as possible to hold Bar Mitzvah celebrations not on Shabbat but during weekdays for these reasons. It is also clear one should try not to establish them on Sunday either; it is disgraceful enough that many Jewish matters are pushed off to Sunday just because people are free from business then—but unfortunately, some importance is thereby given to their festival day. However, apparently at present this is still a decree most cannot withstand here; it is a merit for them that the significance of their festival day has already been forgotten and no one pays attention anymore. But regarding new matters, it is best not to start such practices at all and arrange them for another day—there are always ways to explain.

It is understood I am not addressing here the general issue of Bat Mitzvah celebrations (which was apparently not your question), but rather—in your community's current situation—the question concerns only fixing the time. Although perhaps unnecessary to note further, nevertheless for emphasis I write also about pitfalls seen in some places during Bat Mitzvah ceremonies: some who are meticulous include singing at these events and unfortunately with participation of women—especially the Bat Mitzvah girl and her friends—which allows no compromise since Jewish law clearly forbids this absolutely.

Regarding your joining the city council: may it be G‑d's will that you use your influence until now—and especially your increased influence through this new position—to strengthen true Torah uncompromisingly (for truth and compromise are absolute opposites) among ever-widening circles: beginning with your own community where you officially serve in holiness, in your city where you have joined the council, and even beyond—for all Jews are one complete body and a lack anywhere affects everywhere else. Goodness multiplies: every increase has an effect everywhere; thus every effort is worthwhile since this matter concerns both all Israel collectively and each individual.

With blessing for good news in all mentioned above.

Summary

The Rebbe writes against holding Bat Mitzvah celebrations on Shabbat due to halachic concerns and urges using communal influence to strengthen uncompromising Torah observance while avoiding problematic innovations.