Writing D Var Torah

Writing Your D'var Torah: 

Writing your D'var Torah is one of the most exciting and meaningful parts of your Bar/Bat Mitzvah journey. Not only is this a wonderful opportunity to work in English, but it also allows you to share your personal thoughts and reflections about the Torah, your ceremony, and how its lessons can be applied to modern life.

When you deliver your D'var Torah, you take on the role of a teacher to your congregation. It’s your chance to educate your guests, as well as other participants in the service, about the Torah portion you've studied. Most importantly, you also get to show them who you are and how the teachings resonate with you personally.

The topic of your D'var Torah can come from any aspect of the Torah portion you are reading—this may include verses beyond the ones you're chanting. The key is that your D'var Torah should arise from the Torah portion and reflect your understanding and interpretation.

Working with Your Rabbi

About 4 months before your Bar/Bat Mitzvah, the Rabbi will reach out to begin the process of working with you on your D'var Torah. You'll meet a few times in person and communicate by phone and email as you go through the writing process. The Rabbi will help guide you in crafting your sermon, exploring ideas, and structuring your thoughts.

As you write your D'var Torah, don't hesitate to ask a parent or another adult to help you with things like language usage, grammar, and proofreading. Their assistance can be very helpful in polishing your work.

Here is a Step-by-Step Guide to Writing Your D'var Torah

Writing a D'var Torah can be compared to baking a cake: there's a set process to follow, but you also have room to add your own personal touch. If you stick to the basic “recipe,” your D'var Torah will come out just right. But remember, this is your opportunity to be creative and show your individuality, much like decorating a cake!

Follow these steps, and you’ll be well on your way:

1. Review the Summary from Sefer Seminar
   Start by looking over the summary you wrote during Sefer Seminar. This is a great starting point. Make any final revisions so it’s ready to present. Have an adult help you proofread for any errors.
2. Read Your Entire Torah Portion
   Read your Torah portion in English at least three times. It’s best to read it with a parent or another adult to help you understand it better. Reading aloud can also be helpful in grasping the meaning of the text.
3. Explore Commentaries
   Go through all the commentaries that have been provided to you—these may be in your portion booklet or on the sheets you received in your B'nei Mitzvah packet. These commentaries offer insights that can deepen your understanding and give you ideas for your D'var Torah.

By following these steps and engaging with the material, you'll be able to craft a thoughtful and meaningful D'var Torah that reflects your learning and your connection to the Torah.

Think about your portion and your research. Answer these questions: 

• What does this teach? 
• Why is it part of our tradition? 
• Why has it been important for so many generations? 
• What are its hidden meanings? 
• Was anything surprising? 
• What does it teach today? 
• How does it apply to your life as a Jew Young adult Student Friend Son/daughter Sibling Citizen Etc. ? 
• How does it connect to you becoming Bar/Bat Mitzvah?

Writing Your D’var Torah Writing Your D’var Torah 

You may want to outline your D’var Torah as follows in seven steps…. 

PART 1: WHAT THEY SAY…. 

1. Introduction: Think of some interesting way to introduce your topic and how it relates to your Torah portion. You might start with a story, or something that once happened to you, or something you have learned from your research. It can be as simple as, “Of all the many aspects of this week’s Torah portion, the one that most interested me was:….” 
2. Quote the Torah: Word for word, quote a verse or two that will be your focus. Example: “As it says in Exodus, chapter 35, verse “QUOTE.” 
3. Ask a question: What troubles you about this verse? What do you want to know? What is confusing? Ask the question. 

4. Answer the questions with other people’s answers, in a new paragraph. Present what at least 3 other commentators have said and explain how you understand each one. Give the name of each commentator and when he or she lived.                      

PART 2: WHAT I SAY…. 

5. Your opinion on your topic! Your own interpretations and opinions on your topic. Answer your original question. This is your chance to really tell us what you think. Do you agree or disagree with the commentators? Why did you choose your topic? What are your answers to some of the questions above? Give examples to back up your opinions. 

6. Making it relevant: How is your topic/theme/idea relevant to you and your life today or to current events and our world? What are the lessons that can be applied in your life or in our world? How does your theme connect to becoming Bar/Bat Mitzvah? 

7. Conclusion: Wrap it all up in a couple sentences. Repeat your point, or idea and what you have taught us.