B’nai Mitzvah Training
Traditionally, Bar Mitzvah “son of the commandments” and Bat Mitzvah “daughter of the commandments” is a status automatically achieved when a Jewish boy reaches the age of thirteen and a Jewish girl reaches the age of twelve years and one day. It is at this age that Judaism has considered young people Jewish adults.
When students reach the appropriate age and have achieved a certain level of learning in both Judaic and Hebrew studies, they prepare to lead a Shabbat service in recognition of becoming Bar or Bat Mitzvah. At Congregation B’nai Tzedek, there is no difference between a Bar or Bat Mitzvah led Shabbat service, and both generally are scheduled nearest the child’s thirteenth birthday.
Closer to the date established for a child to lead a Shabbat service as a Bar/Bat Mitzvah, families work with Rabbi David N. Young to gear the service to the individual child’s abilities and needs.
Dates are arranged approximately one year in advance of a desired Shabbat date, working closely with families to determine a day that works best for all concerned. Requests for specific dates should be directed to Rabbi Young.