Seventh grade...a time for most people marked by puberty, insecurity and simple awkwardness. However, my recollection is mostly dictated by memories of #barmitzvahszn. Growing up in an area with a predominantly Jewish community, many of my weekends in seventh grade were spent hopping from temple to temple and event venue to event venue to celebrate ~adulthood.~
For those of you who may not know, a Bar (men) or Bat (women) Mitzvah is a ceremony within the Jewish faith that celebrates the transition from a teenager to an emerging adult. Traditionally, there is a service where the young adult recites a portion from the Torah (the religious scripture) followed by a blowout at some sort of country club, bar, or various event venue. Parties typically consisted of a DJ party, speeches from family and friends, giveaways, a montage, and lots of mosh pits.
Now let me tell you, the bar mitzvahs were the sh!t, and were always so much fun, especially when it was one of your friends or even your own. For me, prime #barmitzvahszn was around 2012-2013. However, what made the parties the most memorable was all the dancing. There were so many good bangers from around this time that I can't even keep track of them all. But in case you forgot the classics, maybe I need to jog your memory a little.
1. "Gangnam Style" - PSY
The literal song of 2012.
2. "Tik Tok" - Kesha
"Now the party don't start til' I walk in" was the prime line to walk into the party with.
3. "How To Love" - Lil Wayne
Whoever you picked for snowball was the stepping stone to an engagement ring.
4. "Vamos A La Playa" - Looma
This song is such a vibe and makes you wanna grab your girlies and bop.
5. "Don't Stop Believin'" - Journey
The one song they played whenever it was the kids turn to eat and the parents turn to dance.
6. "Good Riddance (Time of Your Life)" - Green Day
If this doesn't give you major montage vibes, idk what ever will.
7. "I'll Be There For You" - The Remembrants
The song that was always used during the "Friends" section of the montage.
8. "The Horah"
I mean this wouldn't be a bar mitzvah playlist if there isn't a good ol' horah. Getting to be lifted up in the chair was my peak.
9. "Shots" - LMFAO
Throwback to when I thought I was so cool singing about shots. It was even better when the D.J. played the basketball mix of it and the lyrics would say, "Let's go bulls!" LOL.
10. "Turbulence" - Steve Aoki, Laidback Luke
If you can make it out of the mosh pit with no bruises and cuts on your feet, you win.
11. "I Gotta Feeling" - Black Eyed Peas
The song that they always played to close out the party. And of course, everyone loved the Black Eyed Peas Jewish tribute in the lyrics..."Fill my cup, Mazel Tov (L'Chaim)!"
From the hugging game, the "romantic" snowballs, the giveaways and everything in between, Bar/Bat Mitzvahs were the highlight of seventh grade. As much as we wish we could do it all over again, these throwback jams will keep us in the spirit. Until wedding season.
