B'nei Mitzvah

Shalom!

The bar and bat mitzvah journey is a journey of learning, family, community and spirit. It is a time that our students have to build greater skills and knowledge in Jewish prayers (tefilot) and Torah study. Our students transform from learners into leaders who have the ability to chant from the Torah, our holy book, and from the Haftarah, a selection from one of the biblical books of the prophets. They also transform from students into new teachers as they share a d'var Torah and teach the congregation something new about their parasha, Torah portion.

Getting ready for the bar/bat mitzvah is both an exciting and stressful time. We will work together to make sure that the planning for the event is as stress-free as possible.

The material found here including forms and other helpful documents will assist you in the planning process. Our B'nei Mitzvah Coordinator is also available for support and can answer questions regarding everything from renting the GRJC for your reception, to menus for kiddush, kippot (yamulkes) and more.

We look forward to creating a meaningful bar/bat mitzvah with you and your family.

With blessings,
Rabbi Schlosberg

Resources for Students
Writing a dvar Torah ("speech")
Mitzvah Project Planner
List of Shabbat Morning Prayers
Audio Files for Shabbat Evening Prayers
Audio Files for Shabbat Morning Prayers (coming soon)
Transliteration of Shabbat Evening Prayers
Transliteration of Shabbat Morning Prayers

Parent Resources/Logistics
Parent Checklist
Information Sheet (to be completed and returned to main office)
Reservation Form for Sanctuary Photos
Ushering Guidelines

  Parent Involvement in Service :
- Tallit Ceremony (PDF)
- Tallit Ceremony Audio (mp3)
- Aliyah to the Torah Blessings (PDF)
- Parent Blessing (PDF)
- Parent Blessing Audio (mp3)
- Torah Blessings in Russian (PDF)
 

Distributing Honors to Your Guests
Bar-bat Mitzvah Honors Guide (PDF)
Bar-bat Mitzvah Honors (XLS Excel)

English Prayer Honors
"Meditation" before Torah service (PDF)
Prayer for our Country (PDF)
Prayer for the State of Israel (PDF)
Prayer for Peace (PDF)

Links to Other Web Sites

• Hebcal.com
  At "Hebcal" you can find the Bar/Bat Mitzvah date, and Hebrew date, and the Torah portion, aliyot, and Haftarah for that day. When you go to "Hebcal", click on the 'Hebcal Interactive Jewish Calendar'. The next window to open will ask for what details you'd like in your calendar. Make sure to click on: 'Weekly sedrot on Saturdays' -- The sedrot are the Torah portions.
• MyZmanim.com
  At "MyZmanim", you can enter in the local zip code and find out when Shabbat starts and ends on your Bar/Bat Mitzvah weekend. Start by entering the local zip code. When you click on the "Go" button, the current day will open up. At the top of the current-day window, you'll see two horizontal windows marked "Month" "Day". These windows will allow you to search dates throughout the current calendar year.
• MyJewishLearning.com
  Looking for material about the Torah portion for writing the d'var Torah/Bnai Mitzvah speech? Start at "MyJewishlearning" that has several divrey Torah for every portion. There is also a large amount of material on all Jewish topics of interest.