BAT MITZVAH
SOPHIA JOHNSON'S
THE BAT MITZVAH WEEKEND IS HERE!
Friday Night is the start of the
Bat Mitzvah celebration,
as we welcome in Shabbat, the Jewish Sabbath day of rest
7:00pm ~ Services start. Please join us in the sanctuary of Congregation Shir Ha-Ma'alot in Irvine. Directions and a map can be found at the bottom of this page. If you arrive late, don't worry, you can quietly walk into the sanctuary and find a vacant seat. If people in the congregation are all standing, please wait until they are seated before finding an empty seat. If you have young children, there is a "quiet room" that you can visit with them, where they can play and make noise without it disturbing the service.
Friday Night Schedule
November 21, 2025
8:30pm ~ Services are immediately followed by Oneg (OH-negg) Shabbat, which is an informal gathering of the community after services, with food - usually a small variety of desserts. It's a chance for us to socialize and enjoy some sweet treats. Oneg Shabbat will take place in the social hall adjacent to the sanctuary.
A popular and common greeting on Friday nights and Saturday mornings is "Shabbat Shalom." This wishes someone a peaceful Shabbat. or day of rest. You can respond with a "Shabbat Shalom" back, if you are comfortable. Congregation Shir Ha-Ma'alot takes special care to make everyone feel welcomed, as does our family. We are so happy to celebrate with you!
"Shabbat Shalom!"
Friday Night Services will be held in the sanctuary of our synagogue. Sophia will be on the Bimah, or pulpit for the services, and she will lead in some of the prayers. There will be times that the congregation is asked to stand or sit, or take part in responsive reading. The clergy will guide you through the services, and while the majority of the prayers are in Hebrew, much of the service will be in English. Please feel free to take part in as much as you feel comfortable.
Oneg Shabbat
Oneg Shabbat means "Joy of Sabbath" in Hebrew and refers to a festive, informal gathering to celebrate and socialize after we have welcomed in Shabbat on Friday night. It is usually observed with food and beverages after a synagogue service. While the modern practice often focuses on food and socializing after a service, the deeper meaning of Oneg Shabbat is to celebrate the Sabbath through communal joy, physical enjoyment, and a sense of delight.
Many Jewish observances and customs are commemorated with food and socializing. This is a way to strengthen the bonds of community beyond the confines of formal worship services. We are so excited to share in the joy of Sophia's Bat Mitzvah with you!
Directions and Parking Info
Friday Night Services and Oneg Shabbat will take place at:
Complementary parking is available in the parking lot in front of the synagogue. If you park in one of the tandum spots, please leave your information at the front desk so that you can be contacted to move your car, if needed.
Sophia Johnson's Bat Mitzvah