and so the saga begins

Like a wedding, a bar mitzvah celebration doesn't just happen. And also like a wedding, it can be as secular or religious as a couple/family wants. Here we are with a 12 year old son who is being raised with a Jewish identity and Jewish education, but also aware of his diverse family history. Because our son is intact, and also born of my wife (who is not Jewish), he is not Jewish according to Jewish law (halachah). So what's a mother to do?

• Complain a little
• check with multiple authoritities to get opinions
• discuss with family, son, extended family & friends
• make a decision
• make a plan

check, check, check, check, recheck, and I'm working on the plan. If you have had a "bar mitzvah" outside a synagogue and without a rabbi, if you have ideas to make a ceremony meaningful and accessible, please share!