Bar/Bat Mitzvah
Bar and Bat Mitzvah ceremonies represent significant milestones in the lives of our young members, marking their transition into adulthood within the Jewish community. With reverence and joy, we guide each Bar and Bat Mitzvah candidate through months of study and preparation, culminating in a deeply meaningful ceremony during our Shabbat services. These ceremonies are a testament to our commitment to nurturing the spiritual growth and education of our youth, empowering them to take on the responsibilities of Jewish adulthood with pride and confidence. Surrounded by family, friends, and the support of our congregation, each Bar and Bat Mitzvah shines as they lead the community in prayer and reflection, embracing their heritage and strengthening their connection to Jewish tradition.
Photo credit: Jeremy Messler Photography
Typical Timeline:
List of Services
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Fourth Grade Year:List Item 1
Mattan Siddur (Presentation of the Prayerbook), perhaps on or near Erev Sukkot.
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Fifth Grade Year:List Item 2
Selection of dates, usually by late October.
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Sixth Grade Year:List Item 3
Sixth Grade Brunch; An Introduction to the Bar/Bat Mitzvah Program; Receive Torah and Haftarah portions and prayer checklist.
Opening few weeks of Religious School.
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A Year Before (Jewish Calendar):List Item 4
Invitation to attend/participate in the Erev Shabbat (Friday night), or the Shabbat morning Torah study, when your Torah portion occurs, the year before your Bar/Bat Mitzvah.
The Year of the Bar/Bat Mitzvah:
List of Services
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Six to Eight Months Out:List Item 1
First individual meeting with the tutor; review status and Hebrew level of key prayers.
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Six to Eight Months Out:List Item 2
Group meeting with the Rabbi, to review the outline for the D’var Torah and Haftarah speech.
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Six Months Out:List Item 3
Begin weekly meetings with the tutor.
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Four to Five Months Out:List Item 4
Schedule three meetings with the Rabbi, to write and review speeches.
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Four to Five Months Out:
Finish prayers (but continue to review); begin Torah portion with the tutor.
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Three Months Out:
Finish Torah portion (but continue to review); begin Haftarah portion.
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One to Two Months Out:
Schedule two run-throughs of the service with the Rabbi in the Sanctuary. Schedule final rehearsal.
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Week of the Bar/Bat Mitzvah
Final Rehearsal.