17 Best Bar & Bat Mitzvah Movies That Capture the Jewish Rite of Passage

Lisa Stardust
·7 min read

Scott Yamano/Netflix

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Most religions have their coming-of-age celebrations in which children enter adolescence and adulthood. In the Jewish faith, this is called a bar and bat mitzvah, and it is a joyous event in which 12 or 13-year-olds celebrate the end of their youth, according to Judaism, and their entrance into the next phase of their life, the teenage years.

Even though reading the Haftarah and Torah and giving a speech to your family and friends about how grown up you feel can be overwhelming — having the right mix of people can create unforgettable memories, especially when you dance the hora. The ceremony, meanwhile, is a lot of fun: music, friends, food, and in some cases, elaborate decor and theming (see: the parties in Netflix’s hit You Are So Not Invited to My Bat Mitzvah).

This Jewish rite of passage is often captured in movies and on TV, and Teen Vogue curated a list of some of the best bar and bat mitzvah movies to help you understand how you can prepare and navigate the party, or remember your own sacred moments. More importantly, these bits of pop culture can help you start finding your path in life. Mazel Tov!

You Are So Not Invited to My Bat Mitzvah

The bat mitzvah is a significant event for most Jewish teenage girls, and this movie captures its essence perfectly by highlighting the importance of having a flawless party, a stunning dress, and your crush as your dance partner. Above all, having your best friend by your side to share the experience is priceless, which is the movie's crucial lesson.

13: The Musical

The musical emphasizes the significance of having a support system of people who genuinely care about you and whom you adore, rather than just focusing on the number of friends and their popularity at your party. Additionally, it serves as a reminder that true friends will always be there for you, regardless of the circumstances.

Hey Hey It's Esther Blueburger

Esther is a lonely outcast at a private school — and even at her own bat mitzvah. She befriends a girl with a bad reputation from another school, which allows her to embrace her true self and teaches Esther that it doesn't matter what people think about her; the only opinion that matters is her own.

Keeping Up With The Steins

The movie alludes to the fact that parents can sometimes be more immature and spiteful than their teenage children. Additionally, the film highlights that a fun bar or bat mitzvah doesn't have to be elaborate, despite the competitive nature of social climbers and scenester parents.

The Outside Chance of Maximilian Glick

This movie takes place in a Canadian Jewish community in the 1960s. The center of the film is Maximilian, aka Max Glick, who learns about life from his free-spirited Rabbi, fresh out of Chicago. The relationship allows Max to see that there's more to life than doing what his family demands and to embark on his journey.

Sixty Six

Bernie is devastated when the 1966 World Cup finals upstage his bar mitzvah. He longs for more attention from his family. However, Bernie soon realizes uncontrollable circumstances can disrupt even the best-laid plans. The true story focuses on how Bernie deals with this challenge and what he learns from the experience.

Mayor of the West Side

This tender and warm-hearted documentary revolves around Mark Puddington, who is disabled. As he prepares for his bar mitzvah, the local community and family gather around him and face the reality that he's growing up and may leave the Upper East Side in New York City for better care when they can no longer help him in the years to come. The support and love they give Mark is unwavering — truly a heartwarming film.

Keeping The Faith

While the movie doesn't revolve around bar or bat Mitzvahs, the temple scene where the young lad sings his haftarah strikes a chord with anyone in the spotlight on the bimah. The nervousness, sweat, and discomfort when all eyes are on you can be overwhelming, making the comfort of a chill Rabbi relatable and essential to help anyone get through the awkward moment.

Cha Cha Real Smooth

The movie, which stars Cooper Raiff and Dakota Johnson, accurately portrays the bar and bat mitzvah parties, from the party favors to the energetic atmosphere on the dance floor to the decor. The main character lands a job as a “party starter” with a gang of moms for these events. The film also delves into the development and experiences of the main character and his brother and explores their growing pains.

Donny's Bar Mitzvah

This hilarious mockumentary follows the story of Donny and the comical mishaps that occur during his bar mitzvah. It's an exaggerated portrayal of the events that can happen, with everything from intoxicated relatives to action-packed scenes. The extreme humor will make anyone laugh with its offbeat and wacky nature. It's a must-watch, bringing a lighthearted perspective to the occasion.

Sweet Mud

Set in an Israeli kibbutz in the 1970s, Divir is surrounded by open-minded bohemians, but he gets a lesson in life when his mother falls for someone who isn't of their faith, then becomes an outcast due to an issue with a neighbor. At the same time, he falls for a girl as he prepares for his bar mitzvah — all with kindness and maturity.

Calloused Hands

Despite facing difficulties at home due to his mother's abusive boyfriend, Josh finds hope and encouragement in studying for his bar mitzvah. His grandfather's encouragement helps him see the light at the end of the tunnel and find peace within himself due to the addition of faith and spirituality into his life.

The Sitter

At these events, it's customary for guests to give money to the person celebrating their birthday, as it's believed to bring them good fortune. In the movie, Jonah Hill plays Noah, a babysitter who takes the kids under his care to a bat mitzvah in an attempt to collect some cash to repay a debt, even though he knows stealing is not the right thing to do. The movie showcases the interesting dynamics between the guests, particularly the teenagers.

Cartas para Jenny

Jenny is given four letters that her mother wrote to her before she died, and the first one she receives at the time of her bar mitzvah. It's moving and tearful when her mother sends a note that comes from the heart and is full of emotion. The letters are supposed to be given to Jenny when she is at pivotal places in her life that mark her transition into womanhood.

Eli’s Coming

Joshua gets caught up in the ongoing war between his uncles. One is very religious, and the other is not. The night before his bar mitzvah, Joshua runs away with his atheist uncle to escape religious pressures. However, in the end, he finds his blend of spirituality that works for him after having time to contemplate and reflect.

Family Prayers

Even though the probability of Andrew's parents reconciling at his bar mitzvah consumes his mind as he prepares for the event, long-standing issues in their household unfold that tear them apart. But, they will always love and care for him even if they don't pursue their relationship together.

Today You Are a Fountain Pen

This film takes place in 1989 in Berlin, when the Berlin Wall was coming down. The story is about a young boy who is studying for his bar mitzvah and his grandfather, a Holocaust survivor. The film focuses on their budding relationship as the grandfather tells his story about what life was like for him surviving World War II and concentration camps when he was his grandson's age.

Originally Appeared on Teen Vogue

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