Tangled in a b’nai mitzvah web? Log on for simcha answers

There are so many elements to keep track of for a bar or bat mitzvah, one's eyes could get blurry. Looking through your computer screen might help make things a bit clearer.

Plus, bar and bat mitzvah sites allow the honoree to explore Web sites that are Dad-approved.

At http://bible.ort.org/bible/ start.htm, ORT presents a site called "Navigating the Bible." Check out some of its general-knowledge pages, or scroll down to click directly to the short but thorough bar and bat mitzvah section.

For teens looking for something special for their ceremony, http://members.aol.com/mitzvah99/ mypage presents no fewer than 99 mitzvot.

But for the child who doesn't know how to ask, try http://www.jewfaq.org. "FAQ" stands for "frequently asked questions," and they're all here at "Judaism 101."

This is a great site for all you ever wanted to know about Judaism, with articles on all aspects of Jewish life, categorized by the level of Jewish knowledge of the reader.

Some shorter, more personal reflections can be found at http://www.jewishfamily.com/jc.html. This is the site for Jewish Family magazine, and it offers articles and stories from the perspective of different family members.

One of the biggest hurdles for the young participant can be the Hebrew language. "Say Hello in Hebrew!" at http://www.ipl.org/youth/hello/hebrew.html will help those new to Hebrew unlock its challenges and its beauty, starting with the pronunciation of the letters.

For gifts, there are many sites, including http://www.BarMitzvahFindIt.com, which is actually a clearinghouse for just about everything concerning bar and bat mitzvahs. Another all-inclusive gift site is http://www.mazornet.com/jewishcl/mitzvah.htm. Also check out the new b'nai mitzvah gift site at http://www.jewish.com/ store/bnaimitzvah.html.

Also, some special things can be found at http://www.jewishbride.com. Yes, it is a Jewish bride homepage, but there are five pages of bar and bat mitzvah gifts, too.

And the Judaica Gift Store, at http://www.judaicagiftstore.com/ bar_bat_mitzvah_page.htm has a small but delightful array of pendants, journals, electronics, and even bar and bat mitzvah teddy bears.

More hardcore shoppers may want to tackle http://www.jewishmall.com.

The mall is a place kids go to meet each other and share experiences. They can do this online at http://www.ttt.org.il. Teen to Teen magazine is by and for Jewish teens from around the world. Teens can read articles, advice, book reviews, creative writing samples, jokes, and stories -- all by their peers. They can also post photos.

Lastly, before you set that date, make sure it isn't already taken. B'nai B'rith offers http://www.bnaibrith.org/ caln.html, a calendar of Jewish holidays through 2005.