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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.
Thu, December 7 2023
24 Kislev 5784
Upcoming Events
All Events
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Saturday ,
DecDecember 9 , 2023Light Up the Night: A Chanukah Campfire Havdallah
Motzei Shabbat, Dec 9th 5:30p to 8:00p
Beth El hosts a community Chanukah Campfire Havdallah! Join us for candle-lighting, a sing-a-long around the campfire, Chanukah treats, and more! Enjoy crafts and Chanukah fun with your Beth El family! Click in to register. -
Monday ,
DecDecember 11 , 2023Women's Network Chanukah Celebration
Monday, Dec 11th 6:00p to 8:00p
A celebration of Chanukah for the members of Beth El Temple's Women's Network. We will play games and eat latkes and other Chanukah treats. Guests may bring in cherished menorahs to show and share stories about, or may share stories about any special family traditions they may have that add to the joy and meaningfulness of this holiday. -
Wednesday ,
DecDecember 13 , 2023Hearing Men's Voices - "The War in Gaza and its Impact on You"
Wednesday, Dec 13th 6:00p to 8:00p
Men's Club invites Beth El men to join together for a deli dinner, followed by a lively discussion about the impact of the war in Gaza on each of us. Hearing Men’s Voices (HMV) is a unique program that engages Jewish men in Jewish life, enabling deeper connections and better relationships among our members. Trained leaders facilitate HMV sessions encouraging men to talk and engage in rich and meaningful dialogues about common issues using materials developed by the Federation of Jewish Men’s Clubs (FJMC), themselves, and other clubs and leaders. Our discussion will center on the topic "The War in Gaza and Its Impact on You." We’ll share stories, get some advice, and primarily enjoy the fellowship of one another. So come to talk or listen or both, to eat, schmooze, and learn something. Click in for details on how to RSVP (required by Thursday, December 7). -
Friday ,
DecDecember 15 , 2023Congregational Dinner Welcoming Rabbi Rachel Zerin
Friday, Dec 15th 7:00p to 9:00p
Please join us for a Shabbat of Light! We'll formally welcome Rabbi Rachel Zerin with a special Kabbalat Shabbat followed by congregational dinner with Rabbi Zerin's favorite -- Chinese food! Click in to register. -
Tuesday ,
DecDecember 19 , 2023Just for Teens: Let's Talk About Israel
Tuesday, Dec 19th 6:30p to 8:00p
A chance for 8th-12th graders to share what’s on their minds about Israel, ask questions, and share experiences of what it's like to be Jewish in America since October 7th. Facilitated by Rabbi Zerin and Dr. Eliyahu.
Thu, December 7 2023 24 Kislev 5784