B’nai Mitzvah preparation is arranged in consultation with our Rabbi/Spiritual Leader. We currently have one to seven B’nai Mitzvah celebrations per year. In order to foster class community and mutual learning, we schedule B’nai Mitzvah celebrations in either May or June, at the end of seventh grade, rather than immediately after a student’s 13th birthday. Our Rabbi/Spiritual Leader works with students on an individual basis throughout the year on a schedule and at a location mutually agreed upon with the student and student’s family. If parents feel that their student would benefit from services of a tutor/coach, our Rabbi/Spiritual Leader can provide a list of those familiar with our program who would be able to assist them. Our program is designed so that normally, a tutor/coach is not required. Students, their parents, and our Rabbi/Spiritual Leader work together to develop a meaningful Mitzvah Project for each student. These vary in length and intensity, but our goal is to help instill good habits of tzedakah (responsible giving) and gemilut chasadim (deeds of loving kindness) in our students throughout their years in school – not just during their B’nai Mitzvah year.
A key part of preparation for becoming Bar or Bat Mitzvah is acquiring familiarity with Jewish worship – not from a book or in a class – but by actually doing it. All Religious School students have worship participation requirements. In 7th Grade students are expected to participate at Shabbat Rishona monthly services and at least one (preferably) more additional Shabbat morning service each month.
Preparing B’nai Mitzvah celebrations all too often becomes the primary reason for which parents chose to become members of a synagogue. In order to discourage this practice at Congregation Agudath Achim, our Religious School policy is that student’s need to have completed fourth through seventh grades at our school in order to be fully prepared to be afforded the privilege of celebrating a B’nai Mitzvah as part of our community. Parents in special circumstances may speak with our Rabbi/Spiritual Leader, the Membership Committee chairperson, and the Religious School Committee chairpersons to discuss and determine what might be arranged, with final approval needed by the Board of Directors.
To begin the conversation about your child becoming a part of our Religious School to obtain a B’nai Mitzvah and your family becoming members of our community, please contact Ken Marin, Membership Chair.
