I recently had a very interesting experience DJing and hosting an Orthodox Bat Mitzvah at the Chabad of Northridge in the San Fernando Valley. Despite many years of DJing Reform Mitzvahs, surprisingly, this was the first Orthodox Bat Mitzvah I have hosted in my career, and it was both challenging and inspiring.
As it turns out, there are many key differences in how these events need to be handled in accordance with Orthodox law. Firstly, it is of crucial importance in Orthodox Judaism for men and women to worship separately. Similarly for the reception and party, I was instructed to maintain this division within the boys and girls when playing games, leading dances, etc. I was a little concerned that the kid’s wouldn’t have fun if they couldn’t interact. One of my most valued skills as a los angeles mitzvah DJ is my contagious sense of fun and ability to lead the kids in games as a group. So how was I going to pull this off?
Well, as it turns out, I did it beautifully! I chose games that the kids could play together but in distinct groups. I let the kids create their own teams of boys and girls, and gave them each specific tasks as groups such as coming up with team names, a team theme song that they performed on the mic for the adults, and Scavenger hunt teams which enabled the kids to play “together” but as separate groups. This really worked well and pleased not only the Rabbi, but parents and kids alike.
Similarly, I was instructed by the Chabad Rabbi to only play traditional Jewish music devoid of any female lyrics. This is another important rule maintained by the Orthodox tradition. It’s considered improper to play “current” kid favorites at the Chabad. Yet another challenge! I have a terrific library of kid friendly current and classic music which I couldn’t use, so how was I going to keep the interest of both the kids and adults while being respectful of the Chabad’s rules?
I spent several days prior to the Bat Mitzvah researching and listening to a variety of traditional melodies, songs, and styles, and was to able to cull together a really fun, upbeat, and appealing blend of traditional Jewish music including Klezmer, Jewish big band, perennial favorites like Mickey Katz, The Temple Sinai Klezmer band (a favorite among Hora lovers) and Akiva-Ben Horin. I was able to find familiar and pleasing Jewish tunes that were obviously recognizable by the group, as I saw many heads nodding up and down with the adults and the kids. And in the process I added a really great and diverse blend of Jewish music to my library which I intend to use for future Mitzvahs.
Prior to the event I had many conversations with both the mother of the Bat Mitzvah and the Rabbi who both expressed their concerns about how the event was to be run. The mom wanted the kids to have fun and not feel restricted, while the Rabbi was emphatic that I observe the requisite Orthodox laws when running the party. It felt a little like the old world vs. the new. Well, by evening’s end the Rabbi came up to me and shook my hand saying,”It was a wonderful evening. Thank you so much!” And later I was approached by the mom who said “Shari had a great time! Thank you so much Jon! We’ll reccomend you to all our friends!” But perhaps the best part of the night was when the Bat Mitzvah Shari took the microphone, quieted the room, and said “Thank you to everyone for coming, and thank you to mom and dad for the best Bat Mitzvah ever!” which confirmed for me the challenge had been met. With the help of Event Planner Dana Bresin, (I couldn’t forget to mention Dana, she always does a great job at the events we work with her), we were able to create a terrific evening for the kids, the parents, and the Rabbi while respecting each individual’s needs and wishes. It was a great experience for me, something I can now confidently add to my resume; Reform and Orthodox Mitzvah DJ!
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DJ Jon Seltzer-