B'NEI MITZVAH

When a boy or girl reaches the age of thirteen he or she is expected to assume the religious responsibilities of an adult in the Jewish community. At Temple Emanu-El, this is marked by participating in a Shabbat morning service and reading from the Torah on or after their thirteenth birthday.

Students prepare for Bar or Bat Mitzvah by developing skills to lead the congregation in parts of the Shabbat morning service, by learning to chant from the weekly Torah and Haftarah portions, and by creating a D'var Torah, an individual interpretation of the weekly readings.

B'nei Mitzvah preparation includes the Brachot Ulpan (Blessings Class) and individual sessions with a Hebrew Reading Coach, a Torah Service Leader, and our rabbinic staff. These preparations are spread throughout the twelve months prior to the Bar or Bat Mitzvah.

Approximately ten to twelve months before the Bar or Bat Mitzvah, families are invited to attend a B'nei Mitzvah Orientation. About six months before the Bar or Bat Mtizvah, families are invited to attend a B'nei Mitzvah Check-In. Families receive invitations to the appropriate Orientation and Check-In based on the date of the Bar or Bat Mitzvah