Mazel Tov!
Mazel tov on your upcoming simcha (joyous occasion) at Adath! We are so pleased that your family will be celebrating with all of us. B'nai Mitzvah is the major rite of passage into adulthood for Jewish teens, aimed to inspire a lifelong connection to Jewish practice and peoplehood.
Jewish tradition teaches that a child reaches the age of mitzvot (responsibility for commandments) on their thirteenth birthday according to the Hebrew calendar. The collective term is B’nai Mitzvah, which is an active verb rather than a noun. One does not “get Bat Mitzvahed,” rather one “becomes Bat Mitzvah.” The term for individual celebrants is Bat Mitzvah (female identified); Bar Mitzvah (male identified); or the gender-inclusive terms either “B Mitzvah” or “Bet Mitzvah.”
For centuries, Jewish families have recognized and celebrated their children’s religious coming of age within the context of communal worship. At Adath, not only is the B'nai Mitzvah celebration incredibly meaningful for each student, their family and friends; but the entire congregation takes great pride in each student's achievements.
Here at Adath, we aim to create an all-encompassing experience that is much more than one “big day” - that celebrates process over product, engaged experience over performance, joy over anxiety. Each family is guided through the program with individual attention. Through the student's hard work, and with the nurturing of professionals, friends, family and community, we strive to celebrate the unique qualities, interests and achievements of each student as they become B'nai Mitzvah, culminating in a day of communal celebration of that child’s journey so far.
At Adath Jeshurun Congregation, we are proud to offer an inclusive, meaningful B’nai Mitzvah process for every child.
Mazel tov on your upcoming simcha (joyous occasion) at Adath! We are so pleased that your family will be celebrating with all of us. B'nai Mitzvah is the major rite of passage into adulthood for Jewish teens, aimed to inspire a lifelong connection to Jewish practice and peoplehood.
Jewish tradition teaches that a child reaches the age of mitzvot (responsibility for commandments) on their thirteenth birthday according to the Hebrew calendar. The collective term is B’nai Mitzvah, which is an active verb rather than a noun. One does not “get Bat Mitzvahed,” rather one “becomes Bat Mitzvah.” The term for individual celebrants is Bat Mitzvah (female identified); Bar Mitzvah (male identified); or the gender-inclusive terms either “B Mitzvah” or “Bet Mitzvah.”
For centuries, Jewish families have recognized and celebrated their children’s religious coming of age within the context of communal worship. At Adath, not only is the B'nai Mitzvah celebration incredibly meaningful for each student, their family and friends; but the entire congregation takes great pride in each student's achievements.
Here at Adath, we aim to create an all-encompassing experience that is much more than one “big day” - that celebrates process over product, engaged experience over performance, joy over anxiety. Each family is guided through the program with individual attention. Through the student's hard work, and with the nurturing of professionals, friends, family and community, we strive to celebrate the unique qualities, interests and achievements of each student as they become B'nai Mitzvah, culminating in a day of communal celebration of that child’s journey so far.
At Adath Jeshurun Congregation, we are proud to offer an inclusive, meaningful B’nai Mitzvah process for every child.
- We believe that, in B’nai Mitzvah Education, there is no one-size-fits-all experience.
- We believe that B’nai Mitzvah is a crucial lifecycle event on the way to an engaged Jewish (young) adulthood.
- We aim to ignite a unique spark of interest along the process, inspiring each student to continue their own Jewish journey with curiosity, intentionality, confidence and joy.
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B’nai Mitzvah Manual and Timeline
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Shabbat Morning Program (SMP)
Learn the Prayers!
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
what is a b'nai mitzvah?
Jewish tradition teaches that a child reaches the age of mitzvot (responsibility for commandments) on their thirteenth birthday according to the Hebrew calendar. The collective term is B’nai Mitzvah, which is an active verb rather than a noun. One does not “get Bat Mitzvahed,” rather one “becomes Bat Mitzvah.” The term for individual celebrants is Bat Mitzvah (female identified); Bar Mitzvah (male identified); or the gender-inclusive terms either “B Mitzvah” or “Bet Mitzvah.”
For centuries, Jewish families have recognized and celebrated their children’s religious coming of age within the context of communal worship. At Adath, not only is the B'nai Mitzvah celebration incredibly meaningful for each student, their family and friends; but the entire congregation takes great pride in each child’s achievements.
For centuries, Jewish families have recognized and celebrated their children’s religious coming of age within the context of communal worship. At Adath, not only is the B'nai Mitzvah celebration incredibly meaningful for each student, their family and friends; but the entire congregation takes great pride in each child’s achievements.
Who can become b'nai mitzvah at adath?
A child becoming B’nai Mitzvah at Adath must be halakhically Jewish (born of a Jewish mother or have undergone official conversion), and be currently enrolled in an accredited Jewish education program, supplementary or full-day, for at least four years.
Each Adath B’nai Mitzvah takes place in the context of an existing worship service, most often one at which the Torah is read. There is a spectrum of how each child participates in the service, as each student takes their own unique journey through our program. Each student’s journey is worthy of celebration and pride, and it’s our goal that each student steps off the bimah feeling the accomplishment and confidence of that journey well traveled.
Because of our commitment to celebrating B’nai Mitzvah in the context of the greater community, please note that we do not hold private B’nai Mitzvah ceremonies in the synagogue. We are able to support our member families who may decide to hold a B’nai Mitzvah ceremony outside of the synagogue, such as Israel or a camp setting. Please be in touch with Hazzan Dulkin or Cantor Seid to learn how we can support you and your child in their educational journey.
Each Adath B’nai Mitzvah takes place in the context of an existing worship service, most often one at which the Torah is read. There is a spectrum of how each child participates in the service, as each student takes their own unique journey through our program. Each student’s journey is worthy of celebration and pride, and it’s our goal that each student steps off the bimah feeling the accomplishment and confidence of that journey well traveled.
Because of our commitment to celebrating B’nai Mitzvah in the context of the greater community, please note that we do not hold private B’nai Mitzvah ceremonies in the synagogue. We are able to support our member families who may decide to hold a B’nai Mitzvah ceremony outside of the synagogue, such as Israel or a camp setting. Please be in touch with Hazzan Dulkin or Cantor Seid to learn how we can support you and your child in their educational journey.
HOW DO I GET A B'NAI MITZVAH DATE?
We make date assignments in the spring of the Fourth Grade Year. This gives each family plenty of time to plan, and each child a generous “runway” for their educational preparations. If you are new to Adath and have a child above fourth grade, please contact Hazzan Dulkin promptly after joining the congregation to make sure your B’nai Mitzvah date is set.
How does the process work?
At Adath, we aim to create an all-encompassing B’nai Mitzvah experience that is much more than one “big day," celebrating process over product, engaged experience over performance, joy over anxiety. Each family is guided through the program with individual attention. Through the child’s hard work, and with the nurturing of professionals, friends, family and community, we strive to celebrate the unique qualities, interests and achievements of each child as they become B'nai Mitzvah, culminating in a day of communal celebration of that child’s journey so far. Adath’s Shabbat Morning Program for 5-8 graders is both a centerpiece and a highlight of the Adath B'nai Mitzvah experience, supported by a series of one on one and group meetings with clergy, staff and educators.
How is the clergy involved?
Adath’s clergy team is integrally involved in the B’nai Mitzvah process, with multiple touch points along the educational and spiritual journey. It is our goal as a clergy team to develop meaningful and lasting connections with each student and family. As the date draws closer, each student and family will have the opportunity to meet with each member of our clergy to engage more fully in the work of service leadership, confidence-building, crafting their unique message, and more. This is also the time for you as a family to engage with our clergy and ask ALL the questions. We are around and available to you, even when we don’t have a meeting on the calendar, and genuinely enjoy getting the chance to get to know each of you.
What advice do you have for a family beginning this journey?
What if we told you that we know something you can do that is guaranteed to lower your stress level? Here is the ultimate secret to success: JUST SHOW UP! The B'nai Mitzvah program is designed to be engaged in as a whole. 100% participation in the process ensures maximum preparation and minimal stress. And nothing is more important than making time to come to shul together. It is a proven fact that kids who come to shul are more comfortable and familiar with the service on any given Shabbat, and especially their B'nai Mitzvah. For parents, having the opportunity in advance to ask your questions, know the page numbers, learn the melodies, and know the flow of the service before your child’s B’nai Mitzvah will guarantee that a majority of the stress is off your shoulders. Plus there’s plenty of opportunity to get in touch with your own spirituality, to study the weekly parasha, to get to know the members of our community and to feel a part of something very special. We encourage you to make the time to attend services together as a family: try out a Friday night, Saturday morning, or choose a weekday or festival to join us. You will be so glad you did!
What is my kid expected to do on their b'nai mitzvah?
Our program is not one size fits all. It is designed holistically with each individual in mind. That said, each student who celebrates their B’nai Mitzvah at Adath leads the community in prayer, chants Biblical texts, delivers their own message to teach the community, and participates in acts of Hesed to give back to the community. This may look different from family to family, and that is by design. However, many of our students lead the Pesukei d’Zimra (preliminary service), the Torah service, read Torah and Haftarah, and deliver a D’var Torah on Saturday morning. Students participate in Monday and Thursday daily Minyan as well as Friday night services on the weekend of their big day.
WHO GETS TO PARTICIPATE IN THE B’NAI MITZVAH SERVICE?
Many options are available to the family of the B'nai Mitzvah for their own participation and for honoring relatives and friends. All honors for Shabbat morning, with the exception of the Prayer for Peace, are to be assigned only to Jewish participants over thirteen years old. Each family will have the opportunity to meet with the clergy at an Honors meeting where you will have assistance in completing the honors form, including the English and Hebrew names of all the people you have chosen to receive honors. Jewish adult honorees are asked to wear or bring a tallit when going onto the bima. Family and friends who are not Jewish are invited to accompany those with Torah honors. For a full explanation of Adath’s practices, please consult this document, or make time to sit with Rabbi Weninger to discuss.
WILL THERE BE A RECORDING OF THE SERVICE?
Our services are all livestreamed and archived here. Please contact the office if you would like a download of your child’s big day.
whom do i contact about what?
If you have any questions or concerns about your child’s big day, here are the people to contact:
- For Ritual Questions such as: “who receives an aliyah?” contact Hazzan Dulkin
- For Educational Questions such as: “what skills should my child know by 6th grade?” please contact Cantor Heather Seid.
- For Room Reservations, Catering and Photography, please contact the Adath office.
- For Financial Questions please contact our Executive Director Susan Geller.
B’nai Mitzvah Manual and Timeline
Parent Resources
How-To: Aliyah, Hagbah/Gelilah, and More
Watch tutorials
Aliyah: Blessings before and after the reading of the Torah
Tallit Blessing and Shehechiyanu Prayer
Prayer for Peace
Aliyah: Blessings before and after the reading of the Torah
Tallit Blessing and Shehechiyanu Prayer
Prayer for Peace
Forms
Honors Sheet
B'nai Mitzvah Program
B’Nai Mitzvah Family Form (for event planning and catering)
Shabbat Policies and Special Events
Find out more about caterers here
Complete instructions for home-baked goods
B'nai Mitzvah Program
B’Nai Mitzvah Family Form (for event planning and catering)
Shabbat Policies and Special Events
Find out more about caterers here
Complete instructions for home-baked goods
Who to Contact
If you have any questions or concerns about your child’s big day, contact one of the following.
For Ritual Questions such as: “who receives an aliyah?” contact Hazzan Dulkin
For Educational Questions such as: “what skills should my child know by 6th grade?” please contact Cantor Heather Seid.
For Room Reservations, Catering and Photography, please contact the Adath office.
For Financial Questions, please contact our Executive Director Susan Geller.
Student Resources
Student PortalUse Google Drive to keep track of your B'nai Mitzvah materials.
Find your folder in "Shared with me" on Google Drive. Folders are named "B'nai Mitzvah Class 578X - [Student's Name]" |
Hesed ProjectLearn more about giving back to the community through Hesed (Community Service) and Tzedakah (charitable contributions).
Brochure | The Israeli Children's Fund - Atufim B'Ahava The Israeli Children's Fund - Atufim B'Ahava is a non-profit organization that was established just days after the October 7 events by business and tech industry leaders to provide support for 477 children who lost their parents in the most devastating massacre in Israel's history. Israeli Children's Fund - Mitzvah Projects Celebrate with Purpose, Make a Difference |
Torah & Haftarah |
D'var TorahEach B’nai Mitzvah student works with our clergy on their D’var Torah, “Word of Torah” - a teaching that they compose, inspired by the weekly Torah Portion. Adath provides the materials and support that each student needs in order to write and deliver their own unique message on the big day. Check your Student Portal for updated info as the time draws closer.
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Shabbat Morning Program (SMP)
What is SMP?
SMP stands for Shabbat Morning Program: Adath’s Educational experience for 5th - 8th graders. Led by adult Jewish educators with 9th - 12th grade tutors, our SMP students learn the vital skills they will need as engaged Jewish adults, with B’nai Mitzvah as one step along their Jewish journey.
Is there SMP this weekend?
Learn the Prayers!
Prayer Recordings
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Page 1 (101) Ma Tovu
Page 6 (103-104) Birchot Hashachar Page 6 (104) Utneynu Hayom Page 7 (103 -104) Ashreinu Page 8 (106) Kadesh Et Shimcha Page (112) Hayom Yom Shabbat Kodesh Page 14 (120) Mizmor Shir Hanukkat Habayit Page 16 (122) Baruch Sh'amar Page 21–22 (181-182) Ashrei pg. 181-182 Page 25 (141) Hallelujah (Psalm 150) Pages (145-147) Nishmat Kol Chai through N'hallelcha Un'shabey-checha |
Torah Service |
Beginning of Torah Service
Page 65 (168) Vay'hi Binsoa through Ki Mi-Tzion/Baruch Shenatan Page 65 (171) Gadlu Page 65 (171) L'cha Adonai / Torah Procession Page 76 (183) Y'hallelu / Torah Procession Page 76 (184) Etz Chayim Hi End of Torah Service Page (181-182) Ashrei Page (183) Y'hallelu through Mizmor L'David Page (184) Etz Chayim Hi (Tune 1); Etz Chayim Hi (Tune 2) Conclusion of the Service Page (204) Ein Keloheinu Page (205) Aleinu, SheHu Noteh, V'ne'emar |
Friday Night |