We film and photograph bat mitzvahs, whether there is a Torah reading, a speech or a celebration with the family. Every community celebrates a bat mitzvah differently. So we go through the day with you beforehand and plan the film around it.
How communities celebrate
Under Jewish law a girl comes of age at 12. Many liberal communities celebrate at 13, and the girl reads from the Torah just like the boys. In Orthodox communities she often gives a talk on her Torah portion, a d’var Torah, or the family marks the day with a party, a learning evening or a project of her own. Some communities celebrate several girls together.
What we film
- The reading or the speech, with a wireless microphone so every word can be heard
- The family: parents, siblings, grandparents and their blessings
- The party: the entrance, the hora, the speeches, the dancing
- If you like, a music video beforehand to open the party
If the synagogue does not allow filming
Many synagogues do not allow cameras on Shabbat. Then we film the party after Shabbat, a ceremony on a weekday or a recording a few days before.
Why us
Koren Pollak is a filmmaker and Jewish himself. The brand belongs to Film-labor, with over 200 completed projects, including work for the Jewish Community of Frankfurt, ZWST and Makkabi Deutschland. We travel across Germany and Europe and to Israel: where we film.
Questions
At what age is a bat mitzvah?
Under Jewish law at 12. Many liberal communities celebrate at 13, as with a bar mitzvah.
Do you film a joint celebration for several girls?
Yes. Tell us how many girls are celebrating, and we plan cameras and sound accordingly.
How much does a bat mitzvah film cost?
It depends on what you want to capture and where you celebrate. That’s why we talk first and send you an offer afterwards.
Bat mitzvah or bat mitzva?
Both are in use and mean the same: bat is daughter, mitzvah is commandment. In German it is Bat Mizwa, in Hebrew בת מצווה.
For boys: bar mitzvah film and photos.