Bar and Bat Mitzvah is an important experience in the life of a family, and a very special one at Beth Shalom. Students take initial and real steps into leadership, intellectual thought, and personal agency through the process of becoming Bet Mitzvah.[1] Families celebrate their youngster’s movement out of childhood and into maturity.
The ceremony, which typically takes place on Shabbat morning, is led by the Bat/Bar/Bet Mitzvah student themself, supported by Rabbi Dean. The student leads prayers in Hebrew and in English, having learned them with Rabbi Dean over the previous year. Through one-on-one practice with our Torah tutor, Jessi Golding, the student reads or chants from the Torah scroll. The student offers a teaching based on their Torah portion (“Dvar Torah”) following study with Rabbi Dean – study sessions that include parents. Learning together is a great way for parents to see a side of their child they don’t experience regularly, and to learn Torah themselves. In addition, students are responsible for enacting a Mitzvah Project, their own attempt at improving the world. Children grow through these expectations, and learn how capable they are.
Following the ceremony, we celebrate with an Oneg Shabbat held at synagogue and within community. At Beth Shalom, receptions are relatively simple, but always joyous!
Our goal is for every child to flourish. At Beth Shalom, we accommodate all kinds of learners and family configurations. This includes learners with special needs, and families when a parent or step-parent isn’t Jewish. When children embrace the Torah, they embrace their Jewish identity.
Bet Mitzvah is not a finish line, but rather an achievement based on sustained Jewish learning and community connection. We therefore expect our kids to have completed two years of Yachad prior to Bar/Bat Mitzvah. If a student attends Kadimah, that requirement is reduced to one year. In order to read Torah and lead prayers, they must have basic competence with the Hebrew language. They also attend Shabbat services regularly, to familiarise themselves with the service and the community.
To begin the process, let Rabbi Dean know you’re interested. There’s a simple application that explains more. Typically submitted about a year before, it’s the first step to selecting a date for your simcha (joyous occasion). You’re always welcome to ask Rabbi Dean any questions – he’s here to guide your child and your family through this special process.
Families are expected to be members in good standing of the synagogue.
[1] “Bet Mitzvah” is a modern, gender-inclusive term. At Beth Shalom we welcome all people, and use all three terms interchangeably and as appropriate. All our young people celebrate the same way, regardless of gender.
