Bar Mitzvah and Bat Mitzvah Program
Our synagogue prides itself on being a Kehillah Kedoshah (holy community) built on the concept of brit (covenant). As Jews, we are partners in a holy covenant between us and G-d (Bein Adam L’Makom), and between each other (Bein Adam L’Chavero). We also look at our congregation as its own covenant where our destinies are connected. We share smachot (happy occasions) as well as sad occasions together; in short, we are a family.
Your family is about to begin an amazing journey, and as Jews, we know quite a bit about journeys. As we read our Torah, we see that the journey is actually just as important as the final destination. The end of our Torah, in the Book of Deuteronomy, leaves the children of Israel at the borders of the land of Israel; the end of the journey. The B’nai Mitzvah, like many smachot in our tradition including a brit milah, simchat bat, or wedding, is just the beginning of a journey.
The age of 12 for girls and 13 for boys has special significance in our tradition because it is the beginning of an era of responsibility and adulthood. There is a misconception that at 13 you are a “man” or at 12 “a woman”. A better way to look at it is that you are at the beginning of your journey into adulthood which gives you great power to do G-d’s work.
Our Bar Mitzvah and Bat Mitzvah program will not lead you to the end of the journey, rather, to the beginning of a life long Jewish journey. This period of training and preparation will be a time of growth and enrichment, not only for your children, but also your whole family. During this journey, you will struggle with ideas and identities, both Jewish and secular. It is a time that can have deep significance, and be of vital importance to your child’s development as an individual and a Jew.
Our bar mitzvah and bat mitzvah students participate in The Mitzvah Journey leading up to their bar or bat mitzvah. Learn more.
If you have any questions about our Bar Mitzvah and Bat Mitzvah Program, please contact our office, 561-852-6555.
