Surviving Your Bar/Bat Mitzvah: The Ultimate Insider's Guide

Gr 5–8—Writing with a breezy and conversational tone, a Conservative cantor attempts to answer common questions. Why am I having a Bar/Bat Mitzvah? How should I practice? What if I make a mistake? Axelrod inserts plenty of anecdotes and advice from his personal experience helping hundreds of students prepare for these rites of passage. His jokes and asides are witty and humorous at times; however, they quickly become tiresome and overdone. While the background information and explanations about the prayers, the Jewish calendar, and the Torah and haftarah readings are useful, students might not find all of the tips and advice relevant to their own experience. The author makes assumptions that might not always be accurate or appreciated, such as his description of "a thirteen-year-old who probably just can't wait to add up the checks and get back to her blissfully temple-free routine." The introduction claims that this is "not a spiritual guide to the Jewish religion," but Axelrod frequently digresses to present his own opinions about Jewish life that may not be universally shared. "Just for Parents" text boxes and entire sections addressed directly to parents are included. Libraries in which Bar/Bat Mitzvah guides are popular may consider adding this to their collections; however, Rabbi Jeffrey K. Salkin's For Kids-Putting God on Your Guest List (Jewish Lights, 2007) is far superior.Rachel Kamin, North Suburban Synagogue Beth El, Highland Park, IL