100th Anniversary of the Bat Mitzvah Commemoration

100 years ago, the Society for the Advancement of Judaism (SAJ) held the first Bat Mitzvah in America. When Judith Kaplan sat in the men’s section at SAJ and recited verses, 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 leadershipm 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. 

Join Congressman Jerrold Nadler, Congresswoman Carolyn Maloney, City Council Member Gale Brewer, Rabbi Carole Balin, Rabbi Tamara Cohen, Rabbi Joy Levitt, Rabbi Mira Rivera, Rabbi Sandy Sasso, and Rabbi Lauren Grabelle Herrmann for a commemoration of 100 Years of Bat Mitzvahs in America.