Bar and Bat Mitzvah
If you are seeking a spiritual and meaning-filled Bar or Bat Mitzvah celebration, you've come to the right place! At TBZ, Bar/Bat Mitzvah is not just a date on the calendar, it is a journey of personal and spiritual growth. Our clergy team has each made a personal commitment to every Bar/Bat Mitzvah family and we look forward to giving you the one-on-one support you need to make the most of this once in a lifetime experience. For your convenience we have included an overview of the process below.
Religious School
Students becoming Bat or Bar Mitzvah must complete at least four consecutive years of Religious School at Temple Beth Zion before the ceremony.
A student who has not completed Religious School at Temple Beth Zion for those years, must show evidence of equivalent training at another religious school or an alternative learning program to our TBZ Clergy.
The candidate must be a student in “good standing” at our religious school and it is expected that the student will continue formal religious education through Confirmation.
“Good standing” means:
1. Registration in the TBZ Religious School, and satisfaction of all academic and attendance requirements through the year Bat or Bar Mitzvah.
2. Meeting Shabbat and Religious School Worship attendance requirements (as detailed in the Religious School Policy materials – if you do not have a copy please contact Beth Steinberg for more information).
Overall TBZ Timeline for Bat or Bar Mitzvah Preparation
This timeline is a guideline.
If there is a block of time, (two or more consecutive weeks), when the student will be unavailable for lessons, like for summer camp or vacation, then we may begin preparations earlier.
Preparation, practice, and integration, are keys to the success of Bat and Bar Mitzvah, so please make practice at home a priority. Even fifteen minutes a day will help a student advance well.
We will tailor each student’s service to their individual advancement and abilities.
Students insufficiently prepared may require additional tutoring.
For those who need extra help we can provide you with names of excellent tutors.
*Please note this is a guideline, adjustments may be made to accommodate the needs of each student.*
| When | What |
| 8-10 Months |
*1 Orientation with one of the clergy team |
| 7 - 8 Months |
*Begin weekly tutoring with a member of the clergy team, or a tutor, to review/learn prayers and blessings. |
| 4 - 6 Months |
*Begin weekly 1/2 hour meetings with rabbi or cantor to learn Torah and Haftarah portions (with and without vowels) |
| 2-4 Months |
*Family study session with rabbi to learn about the Torah portion and to learn how to write the d’var Torah, mitzvah project speech and thank you speech. Set up two more follow up meetings for student to share draft speeches with rabbi. |
| 1-2 Months |
*Assign English readings and honors |
| 1 Month | *Four rehearsals (one/week for the student – one hour each) and one 1.5 hour dress rehearsal the week of the Bar/Bat Mitzvah at 805 Delaware Ave. (Sanctuary or Sisterhood Chapel), with all parents, siblings and anyone who has an honor |
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MAZAL TOV! from your Temple Beth Zion family Questions? Contact Beth Steinberg at 716-836-6565 or beth@tbz.org. |
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Photo by J.P. Video Productions
