Dear Parents,
Mazal Tov!
Becoming Bat/Bar Mitzvah is a major event in the life of a Jewish teen. To become a “Son/Daughter ofthe Commandments” is to be counted amongst the adults of the Jewish community, and to take upon oneself the responsibilities of the Jewish mission of tikkun olam - perfecting this world. These responsibilities commence at thirteen years of age, as our children begin their journeys into the world of adulthood.
The Bat/Bar Mitzvah ceremony allows family, friends, and community to share in your child's “coming of age” in the eyes of the Jewish community. It also provides the opportunity for each student to demonstrate an ability to function as a literate Jew, meaning that he/she is able to lead our worship service, as well as chant from the Torah and the Haftarah. As a further measure of passage into adulthood, each young person is asked to assume the role of teacher by delivering a speech that he/she has composed, interpreting their Torah and Haftarah portions with personal insights and observations.
Becoming a Bat/Bar Mitzvah is part of the greater process of education and maturation. Nothing magical happens to the child on that day; he is not “Bar Mitzvah-ed” nor is she “Bat Mitzvah-ed.” What hopefully does occur is that the child becomes committed to the process of becoming a Jew, in the fullest sense of that word. For that to occur, we believe that several elements must be present:
Becoming Bat/Bar Mitzvah should not be seen as the end of a child's formal religious training, but rather as an important milestone along the way. At Temple B'nai B'rith, formal religious education continues through Confirmation in the 10 grade, and by becoming a Bat/Bar Mitzvah, each child is making an implied commitment to complete the entire program of education and be confirmed. It is sincerely hoped that each and every family will communicate this to their children on a regular basis and with a sense of commitment. We believe that it is only in this context that becoming Bat/Bar Mitzvah can assume its proper role and significance, and in this way, our children can have the best opportunity possible to grow up as dedicated and committed Jews, and human beings.
B'shalom,
Cantor Mark Childs
B’nai Mitzvah Coordinator
Bat/Bar Mitzvah Parent Handbook - A compendium of the information you will need to know in planning for the ceremony, from preparation and training, to blessings, invitations, family participation, fees, etc. Crucial reading for your upcoming event.
Bat/Bar Mitzvah Service Information Form - To be completed before the ceremony to aid the Rabbi and Cantor in performing the service. It informs the clergy of the English and Hebrew names of the family, as well as the names of other participants for passing the Torah, opening the Ark, chanting Aliyot, etc.