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B'nei Mitzvah

The B'nei Mitzvah ceremony is a traditional rite of passage that celebrates the emergence into adolescence of a daughter or son. Our students become B’nei Mitzvah on the bimah in the Leebov Sanctuary during Shabbat morning services, surrounded by family and friends. They are invited to lead a portion of the Shabbat morning service, chant from the weekly Torah portion and Haftarah (a portion of the Books of Prophets), and deliver a D’var Torah (a short talk about the Torah portion).  

B’nei Mitzvah students work one-on-one with our talented tutors to learn trope (Torah cantillation). They also work closely with our clergy to study their Torah portion and find personal meaning within it. Preparation for B'nei Mitzvah ceremonies takes hard work, sacrifice, and commitment. The clergy and tutors will guide you along the way, explaining the ceremony and ensuring that all children, regardless of skill level, shine on their special day.  

  • Families must be full and current members in good standing to be entitled to B'nei Mitzvah privileges at the synagogue.  
  • Families must have been members of Temple Sinai or another synagogue for at least one year before enrollment.
  • Because we want the B'nei Mitzvah to be a particularly meaningful experience, we require our students to spend at least four years in Religious School and Hebrew School prior to beginning the B'nei Mitzvah program or the equivalent of such courses as approved by our clergy. 
  • Community Day School students are required to participate in our Teen School beginning in seventh grade.  
  • In addition to their Jewish education, all children must fulfill a Shabbat service attendance requirement each year, and begin special training approximately six months prior to their day.
  • Dates are assigned two years in advance. Most children are assigned dates close to their thirteenth birthdays. 
  • B'nei Mitzvah candidates must be proficient in Hebrew reading skills to the satisfaction of our clergy and regularly attend Teen School.  

B'nei Mitzvah Recordings

Tue, March 19 2024 9 Adar II 5784