At Beth Tikvah, Bar or Bat Mitzvah is a voluntary commitment, but a significant one for both students and their families. In order to make that important decision, the student and his/her family should consider that B’nai Mitzvah is a covenant that includes the student, parents, and congregation.
Becoming a Bar or Bat Mitzvah is a serious but wonderful experience that should inspire and excite students about their heritage and their future. It is an affirmation of one’s Jewish knowledge and maturity with a great sense of being part of something much bigger than themselves, and often leads the student to advanced study. Also during the year of final preparation students and their parents often uncover new views of each other as they work in unison for the special day.
In order to facilitate this understanding, our congregation’s Rabbi, Ritual Committee, Education Director and Board of Trustees have determined that, in order to be eligible for a Bar or Bat Mitzvah ceremony, a student must have completed certain educational and religious requirements, which are outlined in the B’nai Mitzvah Handbook. All students must be registered and attending the Beth Tikvah Religious School program. The Bar or Bat Mitzvah service is celebrated around the child’s 13th birthday and is scheduled by the Ritual Committee and Rabbi at least 18 months in advance. The ceremony takes place at Beth Tikvah during Saturday morning Shabbat services at 10:30 a.m.
For additional information, please contact the office at 614-885-6286 for a copy of our B’nai Mitzvah Handbook. For additional questions, please contact Rabbi Kellner.
We also offer Adult B’nai Mitzvah classes, on a year-long, weekly basis. These classes are only offered every other year, and the next session begins October 8, 2018. Classes take place Monday evenings, 6:30-8:30 p.m., October 8, 2018-August 16, 2019. If you are interested in becoming an Adult B’nai Mitzvah (all are welcome, regardless of Hebrew knowledge!), please register here, or call the Temple office at 614-885-6286.
Click here to return to the Life Cycle page.
Click here to access the Hebrew Prayers with recordings for Hebrew School Students.
Click here to return to the Religious School page.
B’nai Mitzvah Resources
- “Putting God on the Guest List” by Rabbi Jeffrey Salkin
- B’nai Mitzvah information from URJ
