Daniel's Bar Mitzvah
February 28, 2026
About Daniel
Daniel Rodriguez Bader is an eighth grader at The Bishop’s School in La Jolla. He is known for his strong work ethic, steady focus, and ability to balance academics with a demanding athletic schedule.
He is a nationally ranked tennis player who trains year-round and also enjoys basketball, golf, table tennis, surfing, and flag football. Coaches describe him as disciplined, coachable, and committed. He performs at a high level in the classroom and takes pride in his work.
Daniel loves math and analytical problem solving, learns languages quickly, and has natural musical ability. He also enjoys traveling with his family and experiencing new cultures and food.
He is preparing for his Bar Mitzvah with a clear understanding of its meaning and responsibility. Grounded and goal-driven, Daniel continues to hold himself to high standards in everything he does.
Daniel's Bar Mitzvah Celebration
Friday Feb 27, 2026
Friday Night Shabbat Service &
Out of Towner's Dinner
Shabbat Services begin at Beth Israel Congregation at 6:00 P.M9001 Towne Centre Drive
La Jolla, CA 92122Dinner for out of town guest to followVenue: Beth Israel Congregation Time: Dinner to follow services
Saturday Morning Shabbat Service and Celebration Event
Saturday Feb 28, 2026
Service will begin at 10:00A.M. Join us at the congregation for a brief Kiddush with wine and challah. Celebration Lunch will follow at :UCSD Faculty Club. 9500 Gilman Drive
La Jolla, CA 92093
Farewell Breakfast
Sunday March 1, 2026
Join the family for a light breakfast of bagels and cream cheese. This is a very casual event.
Daniel’s Torah Portion: Tetzaveh Each week, a different section of the Torah, called a parsha, is read. Daniel’s portion is Tetzaveh. Tetzaveh describes how the Israelites prepared for spiritual leadership in the desert. It focuses on Aaron becoming the first High Priest and describes the special garments worn by the priests. These garments represented responsibility, service, and acting on behalf of the community. The portion also explains the oil and light of the menorah, kept burning continuously as a symbol of guidance and constancy. These themes connect directly to what a Bar Mitzvah represents. Taking responsibility. Understanding heritage. Becoming part of something larger than yourself. Today Daniel steps into this role with awareness and pride. During the Torah service, everyone is welcome to follow along in English or Hebrew. Daniel, joined by family and members of the congregation, will read from the Torah. He will then give a Dvar Torah, a short reflection on the meaning of his portion, and will chant the Haftorah afterward. At the conclusion of the Haftorah and its blessings, the congregation will shower Daniel with candy as a wish for sweetness in his life. Understanding Bar Mitzvah Traditions We are fortunate to have friends and family from many backgrounds here to celebrate Daniel. We know that not everyone is familiar with Jewish services, so this guide will help you follow along and feel comfortable throughout the morning. When you enter Beth Israel Synagogue, you were greeted with “Shabbat Shalom,” which means Sabbath peace. Shabbat is a weekly day of rest and reflection, a time to slow down and step back from the demands of daily life. You are welcome in this space, and we hope you experience the calm of the prayers and the warmth of the community. A Bar Mitzvah means son of the commandments. It marks the moment when a young person becomes responsible for participating in Jewish religious and communal life. Daniel has attended religious school for years and has spent the past year and a half studying, tutoring, and practicing with the Rabbi to prepare for today. To honor Shabbat, cell phones, photography, and video are not permitted in the synagogue. Most men and some woman, regardless of faith, wear a kippah or head covering during the service as a sign of respect. Kippot are available in the lobby and you are welcome to take one and keep it.
Synagogue Etiquette The Saturday morning service has several parts and uses two books. The siddur is the main prayer book. The chumash, found under your seat, contains the Torah and Haftorah readings. The Rabbi will announce which book to use and the page numbers. The congregation sits, stands, and has moments of silent prayer at different times in the service. Follow the Rabbi or the congregation. Standing or sitting is not a declaration of belief. It is simply a sign of respect. Dressy clothing is appropriate. Men usually wear a suit or dress pants with a button down or sweater. Women typically wear dresses, skirts, or dressy pants. Modest attire is appreciated. Children are welcome. Quiet, non electronic toys or books are fine. A play area is available outside and no one should worry about babies or toddlers making noise. At the conclusion of the service, the Rabbi recites Kiddush, a blessing over wine that marks the beginning of the Shabbat meal. Everyone is invited to the Kiddush that follows.
Definitions Aron Kodesh The Holy Ark located at the front of the sanctuary where the Torah scrolls are kept. It is the focal point of the service. Bima The raised platform from which the service is led and where the Torah is read. Tallit A fringed prayer shawl worn during morning services and whenever the Torah is read. The knotted fringes at the four corners serve as a reminder of the commandments in the Torah. Kippah A small head covering worn as a sign of respect in the synagogue. Most men wear a kippah during the service regardless of faith, and many Jewish women choose to wear one or other head coverings as well.
Daniel’s Torah Portion: Tetzaveh Each week, a different section of the Torah, called a parsha, is read. Daniel’s portion is Tetzaveh. Tetzaveh describes how the Israelites prepared for spiritual leadership in the desert. It focuses on Aaron becoming the first High Priest and describes the special garments worn by the priests. These garments represented responsibility, service, and acting on behalf of the community. The portion also explains the oil and light of the menorah, kept burning continuously as a symbol of guidance and constancy. These themes connect directly to what a Bar Mitzvah represents. Taking responsibility. Understanding heritage. Becoming part of something larger than yourself. Today Daniel steps into this role with awareness and pride. During the Torah service, everyone is welcome to follow along in English or Hebrew. Daniel, joined by family and members of the congregation, will read from the Torah. He will then give a Dvar Torah, a short reflection on the meaning of his portion, and will chant the Haftorah afterward. At the conclusion of the Haftorah and its blessings, the congregation will shower Daniel with candy as a wish for sweetness in his life. Understanding Bar Mitzvah Traditions We are fortunate to have friends and family from many backgrounds here to celebrate Daniel. We know that not everyone is familiar with Jewish services, so this guide will help you follow along and feel comfortable throughout the morning. When you enter Beth Israel Synagogue, you were greeted with “Shabbat Shalom,” which means Sabbath peace. Shabbat is a weekly day of rest and reflection, a time to slow down and step back from the demands of daily life. You are welcome in this space, and we hope you experience the calm of the prayers and the warmth of the community. A Bar Mitzvah means son of the commandments. It marks the moment when a young person becomes responsible for participating in Jewish religious and communal life. Daniel has attended religious school for years and has spent the past year and a half studying, tutoring, and practicing with the Rabbi to prepare for today. To honor Shabbat, cell phones, photography, and video are not permitted in the synagogue. Most men and some woman, regardless of faith, wear a kippah or head covering during the service as a sign of respect. Kippot are available in the lobby and you are welcome to take one and keep it.
Synagogue Etiquette The Saturday morning service has several parts and uses two books. The siddur is the main prayer book. The chumash, found under your seat, contains the Torah and Haftorah readings. The Rabbi will announce which book to use and the page numbers. The congregation sits, stands, and has moments of silent prayer at different times in the service. Follow the Rabbi or the congregation. Standing or sitting is not a declaration of belief. It is simply a sign of respect. Dressy clothing is appropriate. Men usually wear a suit or dress pants with a button down or sweater. Women typically wear dresses, skirts, or dressy pants. Modest attire is appreciated. Children are welcome. Quiet, non electronic toys or books are fine. A play area is available outside and no one should worry about babies or toddlers making noise. At the conclusion of the service, the Rabbi recites Kiddush, a blessing over wine that marks the beginning of the Shabbat meal. Everyone is invited to the Kiddush that follows.
Definitions Aron Kodesh The Holy Ark located at the front of the sanctuary where the Torah scrolls are kept. It is the focal point of the service. Bima The raised platform from which the service is led and where the Torah is read. Tallit A fringed prayer shawl worn during morning services and whenever the Torah is read. The knotted fringes at the four corners serve as a reminder of the commandments in the Torah. Kippah A small head covering worn as a sign of respect in the synagogue. Most men wear a kippah during the service regardless of faith, and many Jewish women choose to wear one or other head coverings as well.
Frequently asked questions
Where are you having the service and the celebration event?
The Bar Mitzvah service will take place at Beth Israel Synagogue, 9001 Towne Centre Drive in La Jolla. The service begins at 10:00 am and ends around 11:30 am. Immediately afterward there will be a brief Kiddush with wine and challah for all guests. The celebration luncheon will follow at the UCSD Faculty Club, 9500 Gilman Drive in La Jolla.
Where should we stay near the synagogue and events?
The easiest hotels are all in the UTC La Jolla area, minutes from Beth Israel and close to food and shopping. The Hyatt Regency La Jolla, the Marriott La Jolla and the Embassy Suites La Jolla are all reliable and convenient. Guests can walk to parts of the UTC Mall area and everything is a quick drive.
What food options are close to the hotels?
The UTC area has every level of food. For quick casual options you have Pacific Catch, Shake Shack, Eureka, Tender Greens and Urban Plates. For sit down meals True Food Kitchen, Seasons 52, Lucrezia, Red O and Apollonia are all close. For kid friendly or groups California Pizza Kitchen, Corner Bakery, The Melt and Joe and The Juice work well. Coffee is everywhere including Starbucks, Better Buzz and La Colombe.
What can we do in San Diego during the weekend?
La Jolla has beaches, sea lions at the Cove, and the Birch Aquarium. Torrey Pines offers coastal hikes. If you want classic family activities the San Diego Zoo, SeaWorld, the USS Midway and the New Children’s Museum are always solid. Balboa Park has museums, gardens and easy walking. Downtown has Seaport Village, Little Italy and harbor cruises. Coronado offers one of the best beaches in California and the famous Hotel del Coronado.
Any activities for adults or older teens?
Kayaking and sea cave tours in La Jolla are a hit. Torrey Pines golf is iconic even if you just watch from the sidelines. UTC Mall is great for shopping and people watching. Little Italy has wine tasting rooms and nightlife.
Any standout San Diego restaurants?
Puesto in La Jolla is the go to for creative tacos and a lively scene. George’s at the Cove is the classic La Jolla ocean view dinner. Hodad’s is the local burger landmark. For breakfast by the water Kono’s by the Pacific Beach pier is the laid back, beach town staple.