B'nei Mitzvah
B’nei Mitzvah is an exciting life cycle event at Temple Beth Torah.  It symbolizes the taking on of Jewish responsibilities and is a milestone for the entire family.

Temple policy requires that B’nei Mitzvah cannot occur until the third quarter of the fifth year of Religious School counted from the third grade. Years of attendance in another Religious School of a recognized congregation will be accepted for the purpose of this requirement.

B’nei Mitzvah dates are assigned during fourth grade.  You will receive an information form in Novemeber to initiate the process.

The process of preparing for a Bar/Bat Mitzvah begins with learning the basics of Judaism in our Religious School and continues with a specially designed B’nei Mitzvah Program. The program was created not only to enable our students to learn their specific Torah and Haftarah portions, but also to perfect their prayer skills as well as to provide an opportunity to develop relationships with the congregation’s rabbis and cantor. The B’nei Mitzvah program begins approximately six months prior to a B’nei Mitzvah ceremony (not counting July and August).

Families are encouraged to attend The ABCD's of Bar/Bat Mitzvah with Rabbi Moskowitz which begins about 6 months before your child's date.

STEP ONE: Involves weekly meetings with Mrs. David to review the prayers. She will meet with the partners and determine specific responsibilities for the B’nei Mitzvah service.

STEP TWO: Involves meeting with Mr. Pine and Cantor Stein to learn the Torah and Haftarah portions, as well as review the blessings which are chanted before and after the portion.

In addition to the tutorial sessions, each student will be required to attend B’nei Mitzvah class with Rabbi Gellman and Rabbi Moskowitz. The “Rabbi’s Class” is attended for approximately four months prior to a Bar/Bat Mitzvah ceremony. During this class, the rabbi addresses critical and challenging Jewish issues as well as provides each student with an opportunity to prepare and rehearse his/her B’nei Mitzvah speech.

During seventh grade Religious School, the students take a class taught by Rabbi Moskowitz on what it means to become a Bar or Bat Mitzvah.

There is a parent meeting as well as a mailing of more detailed information prior to any child’s entrance into this program.
THE RELIGIOUS SCHOOL OFFICE DOES NOT HANDLE ANY OF THE SCHEDULING OR ORGANIZATION OF THE B’NEI MITZVAH PROGRAM. IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS ABOUT THE PROGRAM PLEASE CONTACT MR. PINE AT 643-1200 X 224.