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Am Shalom – Reform Congregation in Glencoe, Illinois - B'nai Mitzvah
B'nai 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 Bar/Bat 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 Bar/Bat 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 Bar/Bat 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 Bar/Bat Mitzvah dates, or about our tutoring and learning process, please contact Rabbi Phyllis Sommer.
Need to book a tutoring appointment with one of our tutors, using our online portal, Schedulicity?
Quick links:
B'nai Mitzvah Service Prayerbooks for Service Participants*:
*Note that your student has a special study version of these prayerbooks.
B'nai Mitzvah Central
This section is designed to guide your access to information already shared with our B’nai Mitzvah families at the classes and meetings you have with our Clergy, professional tutors and our staff.
Bar/Bat Mitzvah Forms and Materials
For facility rental information, please contact Dana Poncher at dponcher@amshalom.com.
Thu, September 28 2023
13 Tishrei 5784
Upcoming Events
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Thursday ,
SepSeptember 28 , 2023Funeral for Audrey Lubin
Thursday, Sep 28th 1:30p to 2:30p
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Friday ,
SepSeptember 29 , 2023Pack & Deliver Lunches for Connections for the Homeless
Friday, Sep 29th 8:30a to 10:30a
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Friday ,
SepSeptember 29 , 2023Sukkot Shabbat Service & Pizza in the Hut
Friday, Sep 29th 5:30p to 7:45p
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Saturday ,
SepSeptember 30 , 2023Bat Mitzvah Sophia Sklare
Shabbat, Sep 30th 9:00a to 10:30a
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Saturday ,
SepSeptember 30 , 2023Sukkot Morning Service
Shabbat, Sep 30th 9:00a to 10:00a
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Saturday ,
SepSeptember 30 , 2023Bar Mitzvah Jayson Jacob
Shabbat, Sep 30th 11:00a to 12:30p
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Saturday ,
SepSeptember 30 , 2023Madrichol Training
Shabbat, Sep 30th 12:00p to 3:00p
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Saturday ,
SepSeptember 30 , 2023Bat Mitzvah Noa Kadens
Shabbat, Sep 30th 4:00p to 5:30p
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Sunday ,
OctOctober 1 , 2023Religious School (K - 6th)
Sunday, Oct 1st 9:30a to 11:30a
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Sunday ,
OctOctober 1 , 2023Religious School (7th - 12th)
Sunday, Oct 1st 11:30a to 1:00p