B’nai Mitzvah Timeline

Two Years Ahead

  • Select Bar/Bat Mitzvah Date – Beth El will initiate contact
  • Have student attend Jr. Congregation

One Year Ahead

  • Determine approximate number of guests
  • Book locations for Shabbat Dinner and Saturday Night Party – To reserve Beth El, contact Larry DeBruin
  • Book caterer, photographer, entertainment, and party planner (if desired)
  • Student begins weekly meetings with Cantor Beth – discuss eligibility and goals with student and Cantor
  • Discuss Mitzvah Project ideas with student and Judy Haven

Nine Months Ahead

  • Send “Save the Date” email or postcard to out-of-town guests 

Six Months Ahead

  • Schedule first appointment with Rabbi Levin
  • Check in with Cantor Beth frequently about student progress
  • Order invitations and thank you notes

Four Months Ahead

  • Contact Blanche Wise to schedule your baking dates
  • Buy tallit for your son or daughter
  • Start attending Friday night services with your student
  • Order personalized kippot
  • Connect with d’var toarh (speech) helper from pre-approved list

Three Months Ahead

  • Discuss Torah portions for family participants with Cantor Beth and distribute portions to participants
  • Finalize plans for Beth El facilities with Larry DeBruin (catering, room reservations)
  • Invite two people to be Gabbaim from pre-approved list and let Cary Grossman know who you’ve chosen

Two Months Ahead

  • Mail invitations to out-of-town guests
  • Choose floral arrangements – don’t forget flowers for the Bimah if desired
  • Invite current board member or past president to sit on Bimah
  • Connect with Simcha Coordinator from pre-approved list and schedule meeting 

Six Weeks Ahead

  • Mail invitations to local guests (be sure to include “What to Expect” guidelines for non-Jewish guests)
  • Send picture and wording (i.e. Mr. and Mrs. John Doe) to Blanche Wise for Beth El Kol 

One Month Ahead

  • Send announcement and picture to Jewish Press
  • Let synagogue office know who will be sponsoring Kiddush and the wording you’d like to use
  • Decide if your student will read Torah during Minyan – Discuss with Cantor Beth
  • Finalize decisions on student participation with Cantor Beth
  • Give final numbers for Friday night dinner, Kiddush lunch and Saturday evening party to Larry DeBruin and caterer as appropriate 

Three Weeks Ahead

Two Weeks Ahead

  • Final Meeting with Rabbi Levin 

One Week Ahead

  • Submit out-of-town guest list to synagogue office
  • Let synagogue office know Friday night babysitting needs
  • Bring liquor for Shabbat morning – 1 bottle wine, 1 bottle grape juice, 1 bottle whiskey
  • Remind vendors: no deliveries after 3:00pm on Friday 

Friday Afternoon

  • Final lesson with Cantor Beth
  • Photographer may take pictures on Bimah prior to Shabbat – coordinate timing with Cantor Beth and Rabbi Levin

Enjoy!