Bar/Bat Mitzvah

Begin Your Journey. Continue the Legacy.

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: 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 & Learns, we also engage in a group mitzvah project. Past projects have included Food Sorting 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) 
• Consistent Service Attendance
• Participation in Family Meetings and learning sessions

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.
• Festive Kiddush: The congregation celebrates with the Bar/Bat Mitzvah Family following the service
• Alternative Locations: For large gatherings, off-site options are available.

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 our 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.

Learn More

A Letter To Our Bnai Mitzvah Children – Dream Big and Cultivate Your Names by Rabbi David Baum

Let’s Begin the Journey

To learn more or begin planning your simcha, please contact our B’nai Mitzvah Coordinator at or by phone at 561-852-6555.

Together, we’ll craft a celebration that honors tradition, celebrates growth, and brings joy to your entire family and our community.