Bar-Bat Mitzvah
In 2015 Temple Beth-El developed a new approach to the Bar and Bat Mitzvah, a sacred lifecycle moment that is rooted in three immutable values:
Personal | Meaningful | Empowering
These values are the guideposts for the clergy, staff, community, and family for each child’s Bar/Bat Mitzvah experience.
How It Works
At least one year in advance of a child’s Bar/Bat Mitzvah, the child and parents will meet with the clergy to design a plan for the child’s Bar/Bat Mitzvah experience that is personally tailored to the unique needs of that child and that family. The plan will outline details such as date and time of the ceremony (i.e., it doesn’t have to take place on a Saturday morning, or even on a Shabbat!), elements of Jewish prayer/ritual that we will work with the child to master (i.e., it doesn’t have to include chanting a haftarah!), concrete plans for gemilut hasadim and tikun olam work, and other shared commitments and expectations.
Guiding that conversation, and reinforcing it afterward, is a refashioned set of communal standards concerning B’nai Mitzvah, all of which can be found in the newly revised Bar/Bat Mitzvah Handbook. The standards center on the three pillars of Judaism outlined above – Torah, Avodah, and Gemilut Hasadim – to demonstrate that our Temple’s Bar/Bat Mitzvah experience is focused on inspiring each child (and each family) toward a meaningful adult Jewish life.
We believe that this process will greatly improve the “standard” Bar/Bat Mitzvah experience. It will strengthen families’ Jewish and communal commitments, inspiring them to remain deeply engaged with the Temple, and Jewish life in general. Ultimately, we believe this revitalized process will have reverberations throughout the congregation, infusing everything we do with more purpose, strength, and continued vitality.
For your convenience - B'nai Mitzvah Service Brochure Sample Text
Information for Temple Bulletin
This form is also on page 24 in the handbook.
Either use the one in your handbook OR fill out the form below.
Sat, February 4 2023
13 Shevat 5783
Upcoming Events
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Sunday ,
FebFebruary 5 , 2023Tu B'Shvat Adult Ed Program
Sunday, Feb 5th 5:00p to 7:00p
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Thursday ,
FebFebruary 9 , 2023Thursday Midrash w/Rabbi Knopf
Thursday, Feb 9th 1:00p to 2:00p
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Sunday ,
FebFebruary 12 , 2023SATO Book Club Discussion
Sunday, Feb 12th 3:00p to 5:00p
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Monday ,
FebFebruary 13 , 2023Essentials of Judaism: Intro to Jewish Thought
Monday, Feb 13th 7:00p to 8:30p
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Wednesday ,
FebFebruary 15 , 2023Essentials of Judaism: Intro to Jewish Thought
Wednesday, Feb 15th 7:00p to 8:30p
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Thursday ,
FebFebruary 16 , 2023Thursday Midrash w/Rabbi Knopf
Thursday, Feb 16th 1:00p to 2:00p
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Wednesday ,
FebFebruary 22 , 2023Essentials of Judaism: Intro to Jewish Thought
Wednesday, Feb 22nd 7:00p to 8:30p
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Wednesday ,
FebFebruary 22 , 2023Rising Song Circle
Wednesday, Feb 22nd 7:30p to 9:00p
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Thursday ,
FebFebruary 23 , 2023Thursday Midrash w/Rabbi Knopf
Thursday, Feb 23rd 1:00p to 2:00p
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Saturday ,
FebFebruary 25 , 2023Cinema Bistro: Hallelujah TBE Together!
Shabbat, Feb 25th 6:30p to 10:30p
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