B’nai Mitzvah Preparation Components
Overview
Each BE Mitzvah family will be paired up with one of our rabbis for the preparation period and for the service
BE Mitzvah Orientation and Family BE Mitzvah Classes for students and parents during 6th grade
Participation in 6th grade and 7th grade Education Program
Creating a d’var Torah with your lead rabbi
Studying prayers and Torah/Haftarah with temple tutors and the cantor
Service rehearsal for the family in the Sanctuary with the rabbis or cantor
Attendance at Shabbat services
Expectations
Students generally are expected to prepare the following parts of the service. We understand that every student learns differently.
Selected verses of Torah to be chanted
A passage from the Haftarah to be chanted
The Torah and Haftarah blessings
Friday evening Kiddush and Motzi (to be chanted at the Friday evening service before the Bar/Bat Mitzvah)
Blessing for Tallit
Birchot HaShachar (Morning Blessings)
Reader’s Kaddish
Barchu
Yotzer Or
Shema, V’ahavta
Mi Chamocha
Beginning of the Amidah (Avot V’Imahot/Gevurot)
Shehecheyanu
Attendance at Services
During the 7th grade year, we strongly suggest that families attend at least five Shabbat morning services and two Friday evening services prior to their BE Mitzvah dates. Services may be attended at other synagogues. We want to emphasize the importance of families attending services together. The best way to learn the prayers is to attend services.
Special Needs
Does your child or family have any special needs that should be considered in BE Mitzvah preparation? Please communicate with clergy as early as possible regarding any learning or health concerns of the student. This is very important for anticipating the student’s needs and helping her/him succeed. We will handle your information with confidentiality and respect.
We understand that every student’s final service and accomplishments will look different. Our goals is to challenge students to the best of their abilities and use whatever tools we can to help them feel successful and confident through the B’nai Mitzvah experience. Please contact Rabbi Lisa to talk more about special needs.