Mazel Tov! You are about to embark on a huge milestone in your lives. Our job is to help you as you begin to navigate the B'nai Mitzvah experience. We have provided some resources below that will assist in knowing what the B'nai Israel expectations are and what you should be thinking about in your planning process.
Should you need any assistance, reach out to our administrative team and we will be happy to provide guidance.
Planning Documents
Planning Timeline Resource
This was created as a guide of things you should be thinking about in your planning process.
B'nai Mitzvah Timeline
B'nai Mitzvah Planning and Resource Guide:
Be sure to read this document in it's entirety to be sure you have a firm understanding about your responsibilities to the synagogue during this time.
B'nai Mitzvah Guidelines
Online Program Honors Submission:
Be sure to have the hard copy filled out and ready to go to complete the online form. You cannot save your progress before submission.
Sample Supplemental Program Sheet:
Perfect explanation of the service and what happens so that anyone watching the service will know what to expect.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to attend hebrew school to have a bar/bat mitzvah at B'nai Israel?
Yes, you do have to attend hebrew school in order to have your b'nai mitzvah at Congregation B'nai Israel. You have to be under the supervision of our Hebrew school director and/or Rabbi David Kaiman in order to be approved to have a b'nai mitzvah.
Do I have to attend services?
You are highly encouraged to attend services throughout your studie in hebrew school. Attending services and the progression of a service is valuable knowledgable that will only benefit you in your preparation.
Am we expected to sponsor the kidduch luncheon following services of the bar/bat mitzvah?
It is customary for the b'nai mitzvah family to sponsor the kiddush luncheon on the shabbat of a b'nai mitzvah. This is something that we celebrate with the community and we bring the community to celebrate together. We under financial limitations and will speak with families individually about their kiddush lunch plans. However, this should be factored into the planning.
When can we take photos with the torah?
No photography is allowed on Shabbat and we strongly ask that you respect this rule. If you want to have professional photos with the torah, we can arrange for you to be in the sanctuary either prior to the event or after, so that you can have photos taken with the torah. It is a much more relaxed atmosphere to take photos in any case.
Do you have the "throwing candy" now that the gift shop is closed?
We do make the Sunkist gems available for purchase and they are $8 for a 1lb bag. typically 2 lbs is reserved for a B'nai Mitzvah.
Do I make the program or does B'nai Israel?
Our office staff works with you to draft a program for your special day. They will ask you about a theme, color preferences and provide you with a draft so that changes can be made. Printing is done the day before so changes can be made up to 18 hours before.
What about my attendees who are not Jewish? How will they know what to expect?
We have a supplement program sheet that explains what will be happening in the service. We have templates that can be used or you can use it to customize your own sheet to your special event. This sheet will be printed to compliment the program.
What if I don't have enough people to assign all honors? What if I have more people than honors?
Don't worry! If you need someone to fill a role, our congregation is full of volunteers leaders who can fill any aliyah or role needed in a service. It is a pleasure to assist with a B'nai Mitzvah. On the other hand, if you need to find ways to incorporate your family into the service, have a discussion with Rabbi Kaiman and he will ensure that you find a way to make the day perfect.
