Eligibility

A Bar/Bat Mitzvah is a Jew responsible for observing the ethical and religious traditions of Judaism. The honors extended a student on the day of the Bar/Bat Mitzvah ceremony are part of the regular Synagogue service. By participating in the service, a child accepts the responsibilities of Jewish adulthood publicly. Knowledge of our traditions and Jewish education are, therefore, prerequisites for a Bar/Bat Mitzvah ceremony. As such, Beth El Synagogue maintains the following guidelines for B’nai Mitzvah:

I. Students who are enrolled and attending our religious school regularly as full-time students or the Friedel Jewish Academy at the time of their Bar or Bat Mitzvah are eligible at least to participate in the following parts of the service, in the following order:

o Aliyah (Torah Blessings)
o Haftarah
o Speech
o Torah Reading

Depending upon the child’s level of participation and ability, a child may lead more sections of the service.

II. Students who wish to lead additional parts of the morning service must attend one of the following programs on a regular basis (recommended minimum of 10 times per years) prior to the Bar/Bat Mitzvah date:

A. Shabbat Friday night or Saturday morning services
B. Junior Congregation

Cantor teaches your child his or her Torah and Haftarah reading, not the services – which they must learn by attending religious school and services regularly.

Students must have knowledge and demonstrate mastery of the prayers they will lead.

III. Arrangements will be made on a case by case basis for students with special needs or problems due to geographical considerations. Please discuss any request with Rabbi and Cantor.

IV. Final determination to the extent of the child’s participation in the service will be made by Cantor and Rabbi no later than two months before the Bar/Bat Mitzvah date.

V. If you are interesting in arranging for a private tutor for your child, please contact Cantor for further information.