Torah Blessings for Interfaith Partners at Their Child’s Bar/Bat Mitzvah

Torah Blessings for Interfaith Partners at Their Child’s Bar/Bat Mitzvah

These blessings to be recited before and after the reading of the Torah were developed to honor parents of non-Jewish backgrounds at their child’s bar or bat mitzvah, but could be used for any person of another background as part of the Torah reading service. Written by Rabbi Toba Spitzer of the Reconsructionist Congregation Dorshei Tzedek, with acknowledgement to Rabbi Brian Walt for his development of an earlier version, these blessings were shared on Ritualwell, a project of the Reconstructionist Rabbinical College that provides a platform for creating new Jewish practices and observances. 

Before the Reading of the Torah:

Parent of background or identity other than Judaism recites: 

Blessed is the Source of Life, who has brought me into loving relationship with the Jewish people and the Torah. Blessed is the Source of Torah.

Jewish Parent recites the standard Hebrew blessing before the Torah reading.

After the Reading of the Torah:

Jewish Parent recites the standard Hebrew blessing after the Torah reading. Parent of background or identity other than Judaism recites: 

Bless us as one, Source of Life, by the light of your Presence and Teaching.