B’nai Mitzvah

B’nai Mitzvah ceremonies present a wonderful opportunity for Jewish families to celebrate the emergence into adolescence of a child. This Jewish tradition emphasizes learning, prayer, and public competence as demonstrations of maturity.

When your child becomes B’nai Mitzvah, your family will experience one of the most significant and highly spiritual Jewish adventures of your lifetime! Our rabbis, cantor, Hebrew teachers, and the entire staff at UH relish our time with you as together, we create a joyous and uplifting simcha experience.

The successful completion of the B’nai Mitzvah process affirms the self-esteem of an emerging adolescent Jew and his or her family. This highly emotional journey may have moments of anxiety, but it is filled with great joy as well. Preparation for Bar/Bat Mitzvah ceremonies takes hard work, sacrifice, and commitment, and we at UH are here to help with every step along the path.

• 12 months Before – Student and family meet with Cantor Richman to assess Hebrew skills and discuss family goals for the B’nai Mitzvah.
• 8 Months Before – Student and parent(s) meet with rabbi to discuss writing their d’var Torah and personal prayer. There are a total of 3 meetings spanning two months.
• 6 Months Before – Student meets weekly with Cantor Richman.
• 4 Months Before – Meet individually with rabbi to study and discuss the Haftarah portion and write an introduction.
• 3 Months Before – Meet with rabbi to choose English Liturgy.
• 6 Weeks Before – Final presentation with rabbi to read all written materials and discussion presentation skills.
• 2 Weeks Before – Final meeting to discuss 613 commandments.
• 1 week Before – Final family rehearsal with clergy to walk through the entire service.

With personalized attention, the rabbis, cantor, and Esther Olson, our clergy assistant, are ready to assist all families of the congregation to maximize their B’nai Mitzvah ceremonies as authentic and meaningful religious experiences.

Schedule Bar/Bat Mitzvah Meetings

We look forward to working with your son or daughter weekly to prepare for this special day. Please contact Esther Olson with any questions regarding scheduling.

B’Nai Mitzvah FAQ

What will we do Friday Evening? The B’nai Mitzvah family —parents and children—are invited to lead the candle blessing and kiddush.

What time do services begin on Saturday morning? Services begin at 10:00 a.m.

What do parents do? Customarily the parents are called to the bimah to stand with their child during their aliyah. Parents also read a parent blessing (in English) and offer words to their child.

What are the customs regarding tallitot and kippot (yarmulkes)? Tallitot and kippot are not required, but are encouraged for those for whom it would be meaningful.

How can I honor other people? There are two aliyot to be given and the following are also honors:

• Readings during the 2nd half of the service (there are approximately 4 prayers)
• Opening/Closing the ark
• Dressing/Undressing the Torah
• Handing out candy (if thrown at the end of the service)