BMitzvah @ BSS
At Beth Shir Shalom, we use the inclusive term BMitzvah for the Jewish coming-of-age ritual that happens at age 12 or 13. The goal of our program is to meet each student where they are and challenge them appropriately. We want to celebrate our students for who they are, not over-burden them with anxiety in what should be a joyous celebration.
The Plan
The night before the big day, our BMitzvah families join us for Kabbalat Shabbat, with parents leading the candle blessings and the student leading kiddush (the blessing over the wine). The following morning, our BMitzvah leads a shacharit (morning) service, introduces prayers through iyyunim to share how these prayers relate, delivers a d’var torah to share their perspective of their Torah portion, and chants Torah!
The Service
Our Hebrew preparation begins with Hebrew-Through-Movement every week. Our children learn modern Hebrew, hear Hebrew vocabulary in their classrooms, and listen to Hebrew music each week. In 3rd grade, Hebrew tutoring begins. In 6th & 7th grade, we use Moving Traditions curriculum to prepare our students and their families for the significant moment of becoming a BMitzvah. Our students study for a minimum of 2.5 years with us in preparation for the big day.
The Prep
8 months before their ceremony, our students begin meeting with a tutor to polish prayers, learn trope, and chant their Torah portion. 4 months before their ceremony they begin meeting with Rabbi Alex to prepare iyyunim (personal introductions to prayers) & write a d’var torah (a word of Torah, a mini-sermon). A week or two before the BMitzvah, we have a rehearsal to get comfortable on the bima and polish all of our student’s hard work!
“The service was so special, warm and funny. You are so wonderful and we appreciate all the work you put into the Bar Mitzvah celebration.”
“The confidence and pride he had on his Bar Mitzvah stemmed from you and your positive, easy influence. We are so grateful for the dedication, time and love of the Beth Shir Shalom staff!”