Simcha Snaps!

What do a 1960s synagogue hall, a 1980s perm, a 1990s oversized suit and a 2020s dancefloor all have in common?

A bar or bat mitzvah, of course.

As part of JW3's B'Mitzvah Party, we're turning it up to 13 with Simcha Snaps, a giant celebration of bar and bat mitzvah memories from across the generations.

We asked the community to dig through drawers, albums, shoeboxes and phone galleries to share their favourite bar and bat mitzvah photos. The response was incredible.

Curated by writer and cartoonist Zoom Rockman and author and broadcaster Ivor Baddiel, Simcha Snaps brings together a selection of images that capture the humour, heart and history of this uniquely Jewish rite of passage.

The result is part exhibition, part family photo album and part trip down memory lane. We've taken these treasured snapshots and turned them into something much bigger, displaying them throughout JW3 and across our Finchley Road front windows.

Expect unforgettable outfits, proud parents, awkward poses, emotional moments, dancefloor antics and hairstyles that were definitely a choice.

These images tell the story of how generations of British Jews have celebrated one of life's most important milestones. While fashions may have changed, the excitement, nerves, joy and family pride remain surprisingly familiar.

So come and take a look as we turn bar and bat mitzvah memories up to 13.

Simcha Snaps is free to visit and on display at JW3 throughout the summer.