Celebrating this special traditional rite of passage is an exciting time for our children, their families, and our congregational family. B’nai, B’not and Gil Mitzvah are held in our Sanctuary as part of our regular services. As an egalitarian congregation, boys and girls participate equally in the training and during the service. B’nai, B’not and Gil Mitzvah may read Torah, Haftarah, and lead portions of the service according to their abilities. Families must be full and current members in good standing to be entitled to Bar/Bat/Gil Mitzvah privileges at the synagogue.
Children who are enrolled in our Religious School or in day school and in their fifth year of Jewish instruction are eligible to celebrate becoming Bar/Bat/Gil Mitzvah at Temple Beth Hillel-Beth El. In addition to their Jewish education, all children must fulfill a Shabbat service attendance requirement each year and begin special training approximately six months prior to their day. Dates are assigned by our Bar/Bat/Gil Mitzvah Committee three years in advance. Most children are assigned dates close to their thirteenth birthdays in accordance with the Hebrew calendar. Consideration is also given to families requesting a Bat Mitzvah be celebrated at age twelve. B’nai, B’not and Gil Mitzvah are celebrated at services on Shabbat Morning, Shabbat Afternoon, Sunday Rosh Chodesh, and special Monday or Thursday mornings. We make every effort to ensure each child has their own special day.
- For our Bar/Bat/Gil Mitzvah Planning Handbook click here
- B'nai Mitzvah Mitzvot Handbook Click here
- To request a date, please fill out this form
- Tutoring and Sound Files from the Hazzan are available here.
- Honor Forms: Shabbat Morning, Havdalah, Rosh Chodesh
2025-2026 Journey Program Dates:
4th Grade Session: Wednesday, October 29
5th Grade Session: Sunday, April 12
6th Grade Sessions: Sun. November 2, Wed. February 4, Sun. February 8, Sun. March 15
7th Grade Session: Wednesday, May 27
Charges:
Year 1 (Traditionally 5th Grade): $400
Year 2 (Traditionally 6th Grade): $500
Year 3 (Traditionally 7th Grade): $600
These fees covers: Our Journey to Bar/Bat/Gil Mitzvah Program, training with the Hazzan, tutoring during the year of the B'nai Mitzvah, and flowers for the simcha.
