Independentsynagogues hosting bar & bat mitzvahs.

Independent and post-denominational congregations don't affiliate with any of the four major movements, which means each one writes its own playbook. Some are essentially Reform in feel, some essentially Conservative, some genuinely pluralistic with members from across the spectrum. Service length and structure vary — typically two to three hours, with a Torah reading by the bar or bat mitzvah child and a d'var Torah. The most important conversation to have early with an independent congregation is what their specific expectations are: Hebrew level, length of preparation, dress code, gender practice, and whether they have an in-house party preference. Saturday-night celebrations follow the family's choice.