Temple Beth Elohim - Bar Mitzvah and Bat Mitzvah Education

Temple Beth Elohim, Brewster, NY - Bar Mitzvah and Bat Mitzvah Education

Literally speaking, every Jewish child automatically, upon reaching the age of thirteen, becomes a Bar or Bat Mitzvah, one who is obligated to observe the commandments. A formal Bar Mitzvah ceremony celebrates this rite of passage for boys. The Bat Mitzvah ceremony was introduced early in the 1900's, as women began to take their place in the rituals of the synagogue. In any case, it is necessary to prepare for the event with a course of study that includes learning Hebrew, the language of the Torah.

Attention Parents of a Child Born in 1997

Now that 2008 has begun, it's time to plan the Bar/Bat Mitzvah schedule for 2010. Please download and complete this form selecting three dates and times in order of preference and return it to the office by January 31st. A calendar of available dates is may be downloaded here. We will process all requests beginning on February 1st and will notify you by February 15th which of your chosen dates/times has been assigned for your child��s Bar or Bat Mitzvah. If two people request the same date and time, the one whose birthday is closest to the requested date and BEFORE it will be assigned that date.

This is just the first step in what will be an exciting and wonderful experience for your whole family. Feel free to call if you have any questions either about the date selection or, as time goes by, any other aspect of the Bar/Bat Mitzvah process.

Requirements:
The Bar/Bat Mitzvah ceremony is seen as the beginning of a new phase in the Jewish life of our young people. In order to prepare for accompanying responsibilities, a young person must:

Demonstrate respect for Judaism, the Temple, the Rabbi, teachers and peers.

Attend Shabbat services with his/her parents regularly. A minimum of 24 Shabbat services within the Bar/Bat Mitzvah year is required, but weekly attendance is desirable. Attendance is taken, and the student is responsible for signing in. Attendance at services outside of the Temple will be credited up to four (4) services.

Attend every school session including both Judaic Studies and Hebrew classes. Absences will be excused for compelling reasons only and serious attempts should be made to make up the absence from Hebrew class on the following Monday or Wednesday from 5:30 to 6:30 pm (exact time and days of week subject to change).

Propose and, after receiving the Rabbi��s approval, carry out a Mitzvah project involving at least twenty hours of community service.

Shabbatonim: Young people and their families must attend a minimum of three Family Shabbatonim. Shabbatonim are held on Saturdays or Sundays throughout the year. Typically they include a service (morning or Havdalah); an informational session with skits, workshops, lecture with question and answer period; and a very important opportunity for parents and young people to network, share information, share concerns. Our major objective: to create a bond among congregants and "to bring the hearts of the parents closer to their children and the hearts of the children closer to their parents."

B'nei Mitzvah Resources

If you would like more information about our Religious School,
please contact us via e-mail or phone: (845) 279-4585