B'nai Mitzvah Process

Celebrating this special traditional rite of passage is an exciting time for our children, their families, and our congregational family. B’nai and B’not 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 and B’not 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 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 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 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 12. B’nai and B’not Mitzvah are celebrated at services on Shabbat Morning, Shabbat Afternoon, Sunday Rosh Chodesh, and special Monday or Thursday mornings. We make every effort to assure each child has his or her own special day.

For our Bar/Bat Mitzvah Planning Handbook click here. To request a date, please fill out this form.

For students working on their Mitzvah Project, please click here for the booklet and forms.