Students begin the B地ei Mitzvah process at the end of their fifth grade school year. B地ei Mitzvah preparation includes family workshops, Shabbat morning learning sessions, an individual mitzvah project, d致ar preparation with the rabbi, an introductory family tutoring session and individual tutoring. Kehillah staff helps guide families through this process.

 

Family B地ei Mitzvah Workshops

B'nei Mitzvah students and their parents participate in 2 workshops:

• The B地ei Mitzvah Process (5th grade): Learn the requirements of becoming a Bar/Bat Mitzvah; receive B地ei Mitzvah dates; sign B地ei Mitzvah contracts; and cover the time line for future B地ei Mitzvah programs and requirements

• B地ei Mitzvah & Jewish Identity (6th grade): Learn the history and tradition of B地ei Mitzvah, explore what it means to become a B地ei Mitzvah, explore Jewish memories, and share perspectives and choices

Shabbat Services & Classes

Students attend a minimum of 18 Saturday morning Shabbat services in the 2 years prior to the Bar/Bat Mitzvah. Students also participate in five Shabbat morning learning sessions with the rabbi and then help lead services on those days.

 

Mitzvah Project

All B地ei Mitzvah students complete a mitzvah project which involves engaging in 18 hours of volunteer time, including at least 15 hours in the community and 3 hours at the Kehillah. For the project, students work with people who are in need in some way. Some examples of projects include volunteering at the Ronald McDonald House, helping disabled community members, and working at camps for disadvantaged children.

 

Meetings with the Rabbi

The B地ei Mitzvah family meets with the rabbi to discuss the Bar/Bat Mitzvah, roles of family members and other special plans. Several months before the B地ei Mitzvah, the student meets individually with the rabbi to study the Torah portion, review the d致ar Torah and do a full run through of the service.

 

Tutoring

One year prior to B'nei Mitzvah, each student is matched with a tutor and begins individual weekly tutoring.

 

Resources

Greening the B'nei Mitzvah Celebration: assembled by the 2008 seventh-grade class

 

For more information, please contact Marla, Director of Religious School & Family Programs, (919) 942-5817, relschool@chkehillah.org.