B'Nai Mitzvah

The Bar/Bat mitzvah is a special milestone celebration, marking the transition from childhood to emerging adulthood in our Jewish heritage.  At TEPV, watching and participating as your child chants a Torah or Haftarah portion, leads prayers, and shares words of commentary is a source of pride and inspiration both for the family and the whole congregation.

At least five years of study at our Hebrew School or a comparable program is required to celebrate becoming a Bar or Bat Mitzvah at Temple Emanuel.  Students begin to study their portions one-on-one with the Cantor approximately 6-8 months before their ceremonies.  Students and parents meet with the Rabbi to study their Torah portions in greater depth and prepare Divrei Torah to deliver. 

Through our Hebrew School curriculum, students reach yearly benchmarks in Hebrew reading, prayer fluency, synagogues skills, and Jewish literacy.  Additional B'nai Mitzvah training and requirements are overseen by our Cantor and Rabbi.

We enable students to participate in hands-on tzedakah projects as part of the Hebrew School program, so they will have the opportunity to put the values we learn into practice together.  In addition, B'nai Mitzvah students are encouraged to identify a "mitzvah project" that speaks to them personally which they can take on at home, with the guidance of the Rabbi and their parents.  This experience can help students gain a sense of compassion and social responsibility that are part of being a Jewish adult.

Every step in this special journey is detailed in our B’nai Mitzvah packet, which parents receive during their class meetings beginning in 4th grade.  Please contact the office for a copy or further details.