Eli's big fat Greek Bar-Mitzvah Eli and his family

Between all requests for weddings this year, we had a special approach from a family who lives in the USA, regarding the organization of their son’s Bar Mitzvah. It was a real challenge to organize something different but also exciting to learn more about another culture and more specifically about the initiation ceremony of a Jewish boy who has reached the age of 13 and becomes a Jewish adult, responsible for his own actions.

13- aged Eli and his family travelled all the way from the USA to Western Crete to celebrate his Bar- Mitzvah with their guests, at a special location nestled among the Cretan mountains, a charmy traditional family winery.

The decoration of the event was organic and matched perfectly with the style of the winery. Glass vases filled with olive leaves and white flowers were put as centerpieces for the big wooden dinner table. Also custom linen bags as guest favors were hanging from the wooden chairs.

All guests were seated under the traditional arbor of the winery, in front of the ceremony table and the officiant with Eli were standing next to the table wearing the traditional tallit. The ceremony was emotional and full of Jewish traditions, as the reading of the Torah and the giving of a speech.

At the party following, the sound of bouzouki and Cretan lyra as well as the dancers accompanied the delicious Cretan cuisine inspired dinner. The variety of wines was excellent, and everyone made a toast for their beloved Eli on this special day for him!

Later in the evening, the party became more alive with some other Jewish traditions as the Hora, an Israeli circle dance typically danced to the music of Hava Nagila and is traditionally danced at Jewish weddings and other joyous occasions in the Jewish community, like a Bar- Mitzvah.

It was our pleasure to be a part of the planning process for this unique occasion and get to know and learn more about Jewish customs!