B'nei Mitzvah

We encourage all our children to formally and publicly celebrate with our community their commitment to Jewish learning and life by being called to the Torah as b’nei mitzvah. Children are eligible to become b’nei mitzvah at Beth El:

• on or after turning 13
• by enrolling in Beth El’s or an equivalent Jewish educational program by fifth grade and completing a minimum of three years
• by participating in Beth El’s b’nei mitzvah program

Our program is flexible to accommodate the learning styles and needs of all of our students and the unique circumstances of individual families. Please contact Director of Congregational Learning, Rabbi Ira Rosenberg, if you have questions about or program or with to enroll a student.

Young people – and adults – are called to the Torah as b’nei mitzvah at the regularly scheduled Shabbat morning services of the congregation. During the service, b’nei mitzvah read from the Torah, lead parts of the prayer service and present a teaching on the Torah portion. Students works closely with the Cantor and Rabbis in the months leading up to the service to prepare their participation and shape a service which is personally authentic and meaningful. The congregation and community are invited to all Shabbat services at Beth El.

ADULT B'NEI MITZVAH

Do you ever feel uncomfortable sitting in services — assuming that everyone else has it all figured out? Did you miss out on the opportunity to become bat or bar mitzvah as a 13-year-old? Would you like to deepen your sense of connection to and understanding of Jewish text and community? Consider becoming a member of our next adult b’nei mitzvah cohort! No prior Hebrew or chanting knowledge is required. Our adult b’nei mitzvah learning program operates on a three-year cycle. Interested in learning more? Contact Director of Congregational Learning Rabbi Ira Rosenberg.