Bar Mitzvah and Bat Mitzvah Preparation

Becoming bar or bat mitzvah takes place at the age of thirteen and marks a degree of proficiency in Hebrew and in leading the service. It means that the young person has accepted responsibility for all the ethical mitzvot (commandments) found in the Torah and all of the ritual mitzvot that are personally meaningful within the liberal Jewish interpretation as found in our congregation.

The student is led to understand that they are part of a vital link in an unbroken chain of Jewish individuals who have studied and cherished the Torah. The spiritual significance of "aliyah leTorah" (ascending to the reading and the blessings of the Torah) is emphasized along with a discussion of the content of the Torah and Haftarah portions. Children and parents are taught that instruction beyond bar/bat mitzvah and especially through Hebrew Chai is important and that Jewish education is a lifelong process.

We are proud of our unique Brit mitzvah program. Our program contains many features that enable our youth to grow as both Jews and human beings. We are concerned not only with how much our students know, but also with how deeply they feel about what they have learned.

The ritual of Brit Mitzvah at Temple Emanuel occurs following the student's thirteenth birthday. The service takes place on Shabbat morning, and are assigned by the Ritual Committee in discussion with Rabbi Charlie. Students begin their formal preparation for their Bar/Bat mitzvah one year prior to their assigned date.