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Bar & Bat Mitzvah
Bar & Bat Mitzvah
We are honored to share with you both the preparation for Bar/Bat Mitzvah and the special day itself. We hope this will mark a milestone in a long partnership that will help nurture your family’s Jewish growth and make Beth El Temple a genuine spiritual home for you.
Looking for information for an adult bar or bat mitzvah? Click here!
Looking for information for an adult bar or bat mitzvah? Click here!
Some Things to Think About
From experience, we offer some thoughts and suggestions as you think about this day:
- You are creating memories. Your child will remember this day for the rest of their life. Do everything possible to make it positive, enriching and meaningful for family harmony and in Jewish ways, as well.
- Children watch parents closely and they generalize. The manner in which you prepare for the day communicates your values. Therefore, in addition to planning carefully for receptions and new clothing, we encourage you to also devote time and resources to the Jewish celebration that Bar/Bat Mitzvah is. Attend more services than necessary. Make sure that fathers -- and mothers, too, if they want -- have their own Tallit (ritual shawl worn by Jews) and Kippah (headcovering). Start eating Challah (ritual bread) on Friday nights and say the Hamotzi (blessing over bread). Such actions will broadcast the message: "My family cares about Judaism. It must be important." We are happy to help you become comfortable with any of these rituals.
- Use this time to deepen your child’s appreciation of your family’s history. Discuss your child’s Hebrew name. For whom is the child named? What kind of person was this ancestor? What qualities would you as parents hope your child might emulate from your family’s past? If you or child does not have a Hebrew name, please consult with the rabbis.
All Are Welcome
Our Beth El Temple welcomes family members of other faiths and will find a way to include them in a meaningful, inclusive experience. We are also committed to working with individuals with special needs to craft an experience that is both meaningful and appropriate.
You Might Enjoy Reading
For more enriching ideas, see “Putting God on the Guest List: How to Reclaim the Spiritual Meaning of Your Child's Bar or Bat Mitzvah” by Rabbi Jeffrey Salkin or “Bar/Bat Mitzvah Basics: A Practical Family Guide to Coming of Age Together” by Cantor Helen Leneman. For what to expect at a Bar or Bat Mitzvah, check out this page from My Jewish Learning.
For More Information
For more information concerning Bar/Bat Mitzvah preparation, contact our office at (860) 233-9696.
ADULT BAR/BAT MITZVAH
Adult Bar/Bat Mitzvah is a program designed for those who did not have a Bar/Bat Mitzvah as a child or who want a more meaningful experience the second time around.
It includes intensive study of Hebrew language and an exploration of many important themes in Jewish history, culture, holidays, literature, and practice. Students learn to chant from the Torah and Haftarah as well as to lead services in preparation for the culminating event, the Adult Bar/Bat Mitzvah, held on a Shabbat morning with the entire congregation invited.
Contact Rabbi Howard Sowalsky at (860) 233-9696 for more details.
Fri, May 10 2024
2 Iyyar 5784
Upcoming Events
All Events
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Friday ,
MayMay 10 , 2024
Friday, May 10th 7:15p to 9:00p
Join us for a community Shabbat dinner in celebration of Israel and Yom Ha'atzmaut! Click in to register! -
Wednesday ,
MayMay 15 , 2024Studying Dirshuni with Rabbi Rachel Zerin
Wednesday, May 15th 6:00p to 7:15p
Join Rabbi Rachel Zerin, Women's Network and the Israel Engagement Committee as we explore both timely and timeless topics through the lens of "Dirshuni: Contemporary Women's Midrash," a book which weaves together ancient Jewish texts and contemporary women's voices. All are welcome, whether it is your first time or you are a regular. All you need is an interest in learning! Snacks will be provided. Note: Evening minyan begins at 5:30 pm (and please join us if you can!). Class will begin at approximately 6:00pm. -
Thursday ,
MayMay 16 , 2024Afternoon Movie with Chai Society
Thursday, May 16th 1:00p to 3:00p
Afternoon Movie with Chai Society Thursday, May 16, 1pm at Beth El Chai Society invites you to an afternoon program featuring “Sholem Aleichem: Laughing in the Darkness.” This film is a riveting portrait of the great writer whose stories became the basis of the Broadway musical Fiddler on the Roof. (Click here for the trailer!) Mark Schmidek will introduce this film, and his descriptions and commentary will enhance this wonderful documentary. There will be popcorn, munchies and dessert. If you plan to come, please RSVP to Judy Satlof, 860-523-8883, or judsatlof@aol.com by May 6th. -
Wednesday ,
MayMay 29 , 2024
Wednesday, May 29th 6:00p to 7:30p
Please join us in person for this Kulanu program, a Beth El Temple partnership with the ADL. Click in to register! -
Friday ,
MayMay 31 , 2024Camp Send-off Shabbat Dinner
Friday, May 31st 7:00p to 8:30p
Celebrate our campers as we send them off to summer camp Beth El style! All are invited to join us for a special outdoor Shabbat service honoring our campers, followed by a BBQ dinner for all. Service and dinner will be held outdoors, weather permitting. This program is being underwritten by the Kest Family Fund. Click in to register!
Fri, May 10 2024 2 Iyyar 5784