Mazal Tov! We are honored that your family is preparing to celebrate this sacred milestone with our Kehillah Kedoshah, our holy community. At Congregation Shaarei Kodesh, becoming a Bar or Bat Mitzvah isn’t the culmination – it’s the beginning of a lifelong journey of Jewish growth, responsibility, and connection.
Our Vision
Rooted in brit, covenant, and guided by our community’s values, our B’nai Mitzvah program is designed to deepen each student’s relationship with God (Bein Adam L’Makom), with others (Bein Adam L’Chavero), and with the world (Bein Adam L’Olam). We walk this journey together – as a family, a synagogue, and a people.
What is a Bar/Bat Mitzvah?
Bar/Bat Mitzvah literally means “one who is obligated in the commandments.” At age 13 (12 for girls), a child becomes responsible for living a Jewish life. While this change occurs regardless of ceremony, our tradition marks the moment with a joyous and meaningful service where the child leads prayers, reads Torah and Haftarah, and delivers a D’var Torah.
Our Program Includes
Family Education: Four engaging sessions with Rabbi Baum and a teen educator using the acclaimed Moving Traditions curriculum. All family sessions are designed for preteens and their parents (or other guardians) to learn together, to listen to one another’s perspectives, and to enrich the meaning of the b’nai mitzvah as a lifecycle ritual. Past session titles include:
“Today You Are An Adult”
“What Does It Mean To Become A Teen?”
“You Just Don’t Understand”
“How Do Parents and Teens Talk To Each Other?”
“I’m Jewish AND…”
“Exploring Jewish Identity”
“Antisemitism Today”
Group Mitzvah Project: In addition to learning together during our Shabbat lunch and learns, we also engage in a group mitzvah project. Past projects have included Food Bagging at the Jacobson Food Pantry and Gleaning with CROS Ministries and the Jewish Federation of South Palm Beach County. Shaarei Kodesh is also a proud partner with Tzedek America and their Mitzvah Project Central.
Individual Tutoring: Up to 22 private sessions with trained tutors to learn Torah/Haftarah trope and prayers.
Clergy Guidance: Three personal study sessions with Rabbi Baum to prepare a thoughtful and relevant D’var Torah.
Mitzvah Journey: Each student completes 13 mitzvot across three categories – God, the Jewish People, and the World – to live the values they are affirming.
Community Involvement and Spiritual Preparation: Regular service attendance fosters comfort, familiarity, and connection.
Requirements & Expectations
Synagogue Membership in good standing
Religious School Enrollment (or Jewish Day School) through at least 7th grade
Consistent Service Attendance: Minimum of two services/month (Friday night and Shabbat morning), increasing the month prior to the simcha
Participation in Family Meetings and Rehearsal
Celebrating Your Simcha
Shabbat Morning Services begin at 9:30 AM. The Bar/Bat Mitzvah typically leads parts of Shacharit, the Torah service, and Musaf, and delivers a personal D’var Torah and thank-you speech.
Festive Kiddush: All families sponsor a Kiddush, even if hosting an off-site reception.
Reception Options: Celebrate with meaning and joy! Whether hosting a Kiddush luncheon or an evening party, we encourage a reflection of Jewish values.
Alternative Locations: For large gatherings, off-site options such as Temple Beth Shalom are available – please coordinate early.
Honoring Loved Ones
Our services are participatory. Families can assign honors such as:
Torah Aliyot
Ark Openings
Torah Lifting (Hagbah) and Dressing (Gelilah)
Prayers for Country & Israel
D’var Torah and Parent Blessings
Interfaith family members are welcome to participate in meaningful and respectful ways. We will help you find the right fit.
Fees & Support
The all-inclusive program fee is $1,350, covering:
Tutoring and materials
Clergy meetings
Family classes and coordination
Ritual items and rehearsal
Administrative costs
Payment plans are available. Additional contributions, such as a Simcha Tree leaf or donations to the Rabbi’s Discretionary Fund, are welcomed with gratitude.
