B'nai Mitzvah
B'nai Mitzvah celebrations are a special time of joy for the Temple B’nai Brith community. Celebrating among people who know you and your child well creates a more personal and meaningful experience for all of us.
Please do not hesitate to contact Lisa Gregerman, our Executive Director to discuss any planning or logistical concerns at any time during your preparation for this exciting milestone.
In recognition of Temple B'nai Brith's commitment to full inclusion, we have chosen the term Brit Mitzvah (Hebrew: covenant of the commandments) as our gender-inclusive term referring to the Jewish ritual of taking on greater Jewish responsibility at the age of thirteen. We understand some families prefer to use Bat Mitzvah or Bar Mitzvah for their celebration, and we respect each family's wishes.
These excerpts below are from the TBB B'nai Mitzvah Policy.
Families must be members of Temple B’nai Brith at least three years before a b'nai mitzvah celebration and the child must be enrolled in our school, or another program for Jewish learning approved by Rabbi Eliana, prior to their child's celebration. - The student and their family are expected to participate in the B'nai Mitzvah Lunch & Learn events during the 6th and 7th grade years.
- Families are encouraged to serve as ushers at one another's simchas (celebrations).
- The family engages a tutor, approved by the Rabbi, to teach the Bar/Bat Mitzvah the Torah and Haftarah portions that the child will chant. The student and family meets with the Rabbi twice during the preparation period and once for a rehearsal on the Friday morning prior to the Shabbat morning celebration.
- The student prepares and delivers an original d'var Torah (Biblical commentary).
- There will be a B'nai Mitzvah fee of $850, due two months prior to the celebration.
- The family sponsors a Shabbat Kiddush Luncheon after services so everyone can enjoy a celebratory meal together!
A revised detailed B’nai Mitzvah Handbook will be available after the High Holidays. To obtain a copy, please contact the Executive Director.
Resources for honorees:
List of honors for Torah service
Blessing before reading from the Torah sound file
Blessing after reading from the Torah sound file
