What to Wear
In all seriousness, Megan's Bat Mitzvah will be celebrated during a regular Shabbat (Sabbath) Morning religious service. It is appropriate to dress up a little and to be dressed modestly.
While some men/boys choose to wear a suit, a sports coat or a button down dress shirt and tie are fine for a Bat Mitzvah in Colorado. We ask that women/girls please cover their shoulders and wear at least knee length dresses, skirts or suit pants, during the service.
At the entrance to the sanctuary, in this case the Werner Elementary School gym, you will notice a basket with Kippot, skullcaps. It is a sign of respect to G-d for men to cover their heads during prayer. Women may also choose to cover their heads using either a Kippah or one of the lace coverings provided.
You will also notice some of the men and women wearing a Tallis, or prayer shawl. This special privilege is reserved for Jews who have reached the age of Bar/Bat Mitzvah. Megan will get to wear a Tallis for the first time on the day we celebrate her becoming a Bat Mitzvah. While she has picked out a new Tallis from Israel to wear in the future, the Tallis that Megan will be wearing during her Bat Mitzvah service is very special. It is the same Tallis her grandfather, Mark, wore for his Bar Mitzvah, and that her mother wore for her Bat Mitzvah. Her Aunt Amy also wore this Tallis during her Bat Mitzvah, and her grandmother, Pixie, wore it the first time she read from the Torah just a few years ago.
If you have any questions about what to wear, please don't hesitate to contact us at [email protected] or by using the Contact button on this website.
Children and Services
Accommodations
1415 Oakridge Dr, Fort Collins, CO 80525
(970) 206-4597
Courtyard Fort Collins by Marriott (1.6 miles to Werner, 1.3 walking)
1200 Oakridge Dr, Fort Collins, CO 80525
(970) 282-1700
Holiday Inn Express (1.8 miles to Werner, 1.6 Walking)
1426 Oakridge Dr, Fort Collins, CO 80525
(970) 225-2200
Homewood Suites by Hilton (1.9 miles to Werner, 1.7 walking)
1521 Oakridge Dr, Fort Collins, CO 80525
(970) 225-2400
Quality Inn and Suites by Hilton (2.2 miles to Werner)
4001 S. Mason Street
Fort Collins, CO 80525
(970) 282-9047
Residence Inn – Marriott (1.6 miles to Werner, 1.3 walking)
1127 Oakridge Dr, Fort Collins, CO 80525
(970) 223-5700
Book early and you may get a better price – also try AAA or other discounts.
Most hotels warned us that prices will go up significantly closer to the date.
All hotels, except the Quality Inn, are within approximately a half mile of Fossil Creek Park where
Havdalah will be held Saturday evening.
When you have made reservations, please let us know where you are staying!
You can let us know on this website and even RSVP here, too. Use the "Contact" button up top
OR let us know at [email protected]
Green Ride Shuttle from Airport to Fort Collins Hotels
Approximately $35-45 1st person (one way), $20 second person, Children $10
http/www.greenrideco.com
What is Havdalah and Dessert?
Havdalah means "separation" or "distinction."
Havdalah marks the end of Shabbat on Saturday evening. The Torah teaches us that G-d created the world making many distinctions. There was the distinction between light and darkness, water and empty space, and then between earth and water. The final distinction that was made during the time of creation, was separating regular and holy time.
Shabbat is the weekly Jewish day of rest. It is an opportunity to take a break from the hustle and bustle of our everyday life and to focus on things that matter most (i.e., G-d, family, community, personal growth). It's a time to relax and unwind. Sometimes, it's hard to let go of the Shabbat feeling as we face the work week to come. Havdalah is a special ceremony that invokes all of our senses to help us carry the Shabbat feeling into the work week.
Just as we use candles, wine and challah to start Shabbat, we use candles, wine and spices to mark the end of Shabbat. We sing (hearing) the blessings for Havdalah. Wine (taste) is a symbol of joy. We sniff fragrant spices (smell) to carry the sweet spice of Shabbat into the week. We pass the spices around so everyone can hold (touch) a ritual item. Often a braided candle is used for Havdalah. We use the light of the candle (sight) by looking at our fingernails and then our hands palms-up - allowing the light to make finger-shadows on our palms showing us the distinction between light and darkness. As the shadows dance, we are aware of being in that time just between Shabbat and the rest of the week. The light from the fire is the first light of the new week. It's a sign that the time to begin creating again has arrived.
As for "Havdalah and Dessert" - there will be dessert served at this Havdalah to bring the sweetness of Megan becoming a Bat Mitzvah into the years to come.
Havdalah is a beautiful -and super short- ceremony, so don't be late or you'll miss it!