Bar/Bat Mitzvah Preparation

The Beth El community is dedicated to launching our young people into the Jewish lives with the skills, passion and self-confidence to participate comfortably and enthusiastically in synagogue life wherever they may find themselves.  We view bar or bat mitzvah as the first step in a journey that will last a lifetime.

Accordingly, our young people prepare for their bar or bat mitzvah ceremonies by working on a one-to-one basis with our rabbi or Ba'alat Tefillah (service leader extraordinaire), Diane Maran.  Their preparation is tailored to their individual needs, ambitions and abilities, but typically involves gaining proficiency in a significant portion of the Shabbat morning service as well as the particular readings for that week.

Students who are in the process of preparing for their bar or bat mitzvah also participate regularly in leading various aspects of our regular Shabbat worship, and those who have completed their studies are expected to return to the bimah to refresh their skills and maintain an active role in synagogue life.