Bet Mitzvah @ Am Shalom
Bet Mitzvah
The age of 13, in Jewish tradition, is the age of religious responsibility. The term Bar (for a boy) and Bat (for a girl) Mitzvah means "son or daughter of the commandment," in essence stating that this young person is now ready to take on the responsibilities of observing and caring for their Jewish identity. To demonstrate this readiness, the Bar/Bat Mitzvah student is invited to lead a prayer service, chant from the Torah and the Haftarah, and write and deliver a D'var Torah, a lesson from their Torah portion. Our students are also asked to engage in several acts of tikkun olam, repair of the world, through volunteer or project-based work. There are three primary goals of Bet Mitzvah at Am Shalom: lifelong learning, prayer, and acts of loving-kindness. It is truly a milestone to celebrate along the path of Jewish life and learning.
Our students typically receive the date of their Bet Mitzvah service in the spring of fourth grade, but the formal preparations begin about 18 months in advance with a family class. The preparation for the Bet Mitzvah service is intended to be a meaningful part of the entire process. Students study diligently with their individual tutors and the cantor to learn their Torah and Haftarah portions and prayers. In addition, they will meet with one or more of our rabbis to prepare their D'var Torah, a teaching that they will share with the congregation on the day of their service.
For more information about our Bet Mitzvah dates, or about our tutoring and learning process, please contact Rabbi Phyllis Sommer.
Quick links:
Bet Mitzvah Service Prayerbooks to share with Service Participants
*Note that your student has a special study version of these prayerbooks.
Fri, April 26 2024
18 Nisan 5784
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Saturday ,
AprApril 27 , 2024Bar Mitzvah William Steckler
Shabbat, Apr 27th 11:00a to 12:30p
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Saturday ,
AprApril 27 , 2024Confirmation Class God Talk
Shabbat, Apr 27th 11:00a to 2:00p
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Saturday ,
AprApril 27 , 2024Bat Mitzvah Raquel Wertheimer
Shabbat, Apr 27th 4:00p to 5:30p
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Sunday ,
AprApril 28 , 20246th Grade Family Day 5784
Sunday, Apr 28th 9:30a to 11:30a
An opportunity for grownups to join their learners in our 6th grade program! -
Sunday ,
AprApril 28 , 2024Religious School (K - 6th)
Sunday, Apr 28th 9:30a to 11:30a
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Sunday ,
AprApril 28 , 2024Religious School (7th - 12th)
Sunday, Apr 28th 11:30a to 1:00p
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Monday ,
AprApril 29 , 2024Passover Service & Yizkor
Monday, Apr 29th 9:00a to 10:30a
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Wednesday ,
MayMay 1 , 2024Drop In
Wednesday, May 1st 3:15p to 4:15p
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Wednesday ,
MayMay 1 , 2024Hebrew School
Wednesday, May 1st 4:15p to 6:00p
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Wednesday ,
MayMay 1 , 2024AShTY
Wednesday, May 1st 6:00p to 7:30p
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