One hundred years ago, the Society for the Advancement of Judaism (SAJ) held the first bat mitzvah in America. When Judith Kaplan recited verses in the men’s section of the SAJ, she had no idea that her actions would change the course of history.
The first bat mitzvah sparked a revolution of egalitarianism and inclusion in Jewish life. As increasing numbers of girls ascended the bimah, girls and women began to expect—even demand—access to ritual honors and synagogue leadership, and to begin to dream that they could have an equal voice as men in their community and beyond. The first bat mitzvah also paved the way for the celebration of people of all genders in Jewish ritual and life.
We will be joined by Dr. Carole Balin, a historian and scholar on bat mitzvah; Rabbi Sandy Sasso, the first female Reconstructionist rabbi and author of a children’s book about Judith Kaplan’s story, “Judy Leads the Way”; Rabbi Joy Levitt, a pioneering female rabbi and officiant of Judith Kaplan’s second bat mitzvah; and Rabbi Tamara Cohen, chief program officer at Moving Traditions. We will also feature a reenactment from “Judith Kaplan 1922,” a curated Instagram project about Judith Kaplan. Moderated by Rabbi Lauren Grabelle Herrmann of SAJ.
Co-sponsored by SAJ-Judaism That Stands for All, Jewish Women’s Archive and The Marlene Meyerson JCC of Manhattan.
+ More... - Less...Related
CJP provides the above links concerning third-party events for your convenience only. CJP has no control over the content of the linked-to websites or events they describe, and accepts no responsibility for the websites, including any advertising or products or services on or available from such sites, or for any loss or damage that may arise from your attending, or registering to attend, the described events. If you decide to access any of the third-party websites linked to below, you do so entirely at your own risk and subject to the terms and conditions of use for such websites and event attendance. CJP is not responsible or liable to you or any third party for the content or accuracy of any materials provided by any third parties. All statements and/or opinions expressed in the linked-to materials or at the described events, and all commentary, articles and other content provided at the third-party websites or at the events, are solely the opinions and the responsibility of the persons or entities operating the linked-to websites and events. The inclusion of any link on this website does not imply that CJP endorses the described event, or the linked-to website or its operator. MORE
