B’nai Mitzvah
Timeline
Now
- Parents: Speak to the Religious School Director or any member of the Clergy Team about any special learning needs your child may have
- Family: Join us for Shabbat services, both Friday evenings and Saturday mornings – the more often you are able to attend, the more familiar you will be with the various pieces of the service you yourself will facilitate for the congregation on your big day.
Beginning 9 months out
- (t-9 months) Family: Attend Learner’s Minyan on Shabbat morning. Attend a Bar/Bat Mitzvah ceremony.
- (t-7 months) Bar/Bat Mitzvah: Begin individual Bar/Bat Mitzvah training with Cantor (30 mins. weekly).
- (t-6 months) Family: If you are using the TAS Social Hall to celebrate after the ceremony, be sure the deposit is paid no later than six (6) months prior to the ceremony to ensure you do not lose the venue space. Click here to read the Right of First Refusal policy.
- (t-5 months) Family: Attend a Bar/Bat Mitzvah ceremony.
- (t-10 weeks) Family: Discuss Torah portion with Rabbi (30 mins.).
- (t-7 weeks) Bar/Bat Mitzvah: Continue working on D’var Torah with Rabbi (30 mins.).
- (t-4 weeks) Bar/Bat Mitzvah: Continue working on D’var Torah with Rabbi (30 mins.).
- (t-3 weeks) Bar/Bat Mitzvah: No new material learned by student after this date. Student reviews prayers/Torah reading, adding confidence and ease.
- (t-3 weeks) Parents: Email Family Honor Sheet to main office.
Week before
- Family: Dress Rehearsal in Sanctuary with Cantor (1 hour).
- Bar/Bat Mitzvah: Speech Rehearsal in Sanctuary with Rabbi (30 mins.).
Friday night before the Bar/Bat Mitzvah
- Family: Lead the congregation in Candle lighting/Kiddush! Be awesome! (Arrive at least 15 mins. to start of service).
- Bar/Bat Mitzvah: Participate in service (specifically the candle blessing, Kiddush, and V’ahavta and/or Amidah).
Saturday of the Bar/Bat Mitzvah
- Be in the sanctuary 45 minutes prior to the service.
- Breathe.
- Smile.
- Enjoy!
- Celebrate with TAS friends and family!
The next day
- Sleep in.
And after that?
- Bar/Bat Mitzvah: Make sure you write thank you notes.
- Bar/Bat Mitzvah: Join us beginning in 8th at TAS High.
- Bar/Bat Mitzvah: Begin your NFTY career by getting involved with TASTY, TAS’s youth group.
- Family: Keep coming to Shabbat services!
- Parents: Continue to think about meaningful ways for YOU to be involved at TAS.
- 4 years post: Confirmation/L’Taken: Social Justice Seminar in Washington D.C.
B’nai Mitzvah Resources
Learn more about B’nai mitzvah at TAS by exploring the links below:
About Temple Ahavat Shalom
Shabbat is our opportunity to exhale, come together, leave the noise of life, and find “sanctuary” in our own remarkable space.
Community at Temple Ahavat Shalom
Stepping into our Community allows us to shake off the stress of life while providing the opportunity to reimagine we are Jews living in a Jewish world.
Prayer at Temple Ahavat Shalom
As a Beit Tefillah – a House of Prayer – Temple Ahavat Shalom provides a place of spiritual nourishment and renewal for all in an often chaotic world.
