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Bar & Bat Mitzvah
Bar & Bat Mitzvah
We are honored to share with you both the preparation for Bar/Bat Mitzvah and the special day itself. We hope this will mark a milestone in a long partnership that will help nurture your family’s Jewish growth and make Beth El Temple a genuine spiritual home for you.
Looking for information for an adult bar or bat mitzvah? Click here!
Looking for information for an adult bar or bat mitzvah? Click here!
Some Things to Think About
From experience, we offer some thoughts and suggestions as you think about this day:
- You are creating memories. Your child will remember this day for the rest of their life. Do everything possible to make it positive, enriching and meaningful for family harmony and in Jewish ways, as well.
- Children watch parents closely and they generalize. The manner in which you prepare for the day communicates your values. Therefore, in addition to planning carefully for receptions and new clothing, we encourage you to also devote time and resources to the Jewish celebration that Bar/Bat Mitzvah is. Attend more services than necessary. Make sure that fathers -- and mothers, too, if they want -- have their own Tallit (ritual shawl worn by Jews) and Kippah (headcovering). Start eating Challah (ritual bread) on Friday nights and say the Hamotzi (blessing over bread). Such actions will broadcast the message: "My family cares about Judaism. It must be important." We are happy to help you become comfortable with any of these rituals.
- Use this time to deepen your child’s appreciation of your family’s history. Discuss your child’s Hebrew name. For whom is the child named? What kind of person was this ancestor? What qualities would you as parents hope your child might emulate from your family’s past? If you or child does not have a Hebrew name, please consult with the rabbis.
All Are Welcome
Our Beth El Temple welcomes family members of other faiths and will find a way to include them in a meaningful, inclusive experience. We are also committed to working with individuals with special needs to craft an experience that is both meaningful and appropriate.
You Might Enjoy Reading
For more enriching ideas, see “Putting God on the Guest List: How to Reclaim the Spiritual Meaning of Your Child's Bar or Bat Mitzvah” by Rabbi Jeffrey Salkin or “Bar/Bat Mitzvah Basics: A Practical Family Guide to Coming of Age Together” by Cantor Helen Leneman. For what to expect at a Bar or Bat Mitzvah, check out this page from My Jewish Learning.
For More Information
For more information concerning Bar/Bat Mitzvah preparation, contact our office at (860) 233-9696.
ADULT BAR/BAT MITZVAH
Adult Bar/Bat Mitzvah is a program designed for those who did not have a Bar/Bat Mitzvah as a child or who want a more meaningful experience the second time around.
It includes intensive study of Hebrew language and an exploration of many important themes in Jewish history, culture, holidays, literature, and practice. Students learn to chant from the Torah and Haftarah as well as to lead services in preparation for the culminating event, the Adult Bar/Bat Mitzvah, held on a Shabbat morning with the entire congregation invited.
Contact Rabbi Howard Sowalsky at (860) 233-9696 for more details.
Fri, April 26 2024
18 Nisan 5784
Upcoming Events
All Events
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Sunday ,
AprApril 28 , 2024
Sunday, Apr 28th 12:15p to 4:00p
For this community hike, we'll meet at Dr. Eliyahu’s house (1021 Mountain Road, Bloomfield, CT) after SULAM enjoys a field day at Schechter. Click in for details and to register! -
Wednesday ,
MayMay 1 , 2024Studying Dirshuni with Rabbi Rachel Zerin
Wednesday, May 1st 6:00p to 7:15p
Join Rabbi Rachel Zerin, Women's Network and the Israel Engagement Committee as we explore both timely and timeless topics through the lens of "Dirshuni: Contemporary Women's Midrash," a book which weaves together ancient Jewish texts and contemporary women's voices. All are welcome, whether it is your first time or you are a regular. All you need is an interest in learning! Snacks will be provided. Note: Evening minyan begins at 5:30 pm (and please join us if you can!). Class will begin at approximately 6:00pm. -
Saturday ,
MayMay 4 , 2024Shabbat Playgroup in the Park: May the Fourth Edition!
Shabbat, May 4th 3:00p to 5:00p
Calling all 0-5 year olds and their grown-ups: come find your people at the park! Join Rabbi Zerin, Dr. Eliyahu, and your friends at Beth El for a relaxed Shabbat afternoon at Eisenhower Park. We will provide cold drinks and summer treats! Note: will be canceled in case of rain. RSVPs requested but not required. Click in to RSVP! -
Sunday ,
MayMay 5 , 2024
Sunday, May 5th 6:30a to 10:00p
All 8th – 12th graders are invited to join Dr. Eliyahu Krigel and Marisa Beede for a special trip to NYC for the day to learn about the Jewish immigrant experience. The Masa Program at BET is our new program for 8th – 12th graders. This is a travel impact program that will consist of a combination of meetings which, culminating in a trip. For the first year of the program this year, we will be taking a trip to NYC for the day. We’ll leave on a private bus from the Beth El parking lot at 6:30am on May 5! We’ll be back to Beth El at 10:00pm on May 5. The cost is $50 for Beth El members thanks to the generous support of Men’s Club! During the trip we will visit Ellis Island, The Tenement Museum, and the Top of the Rock. We will also experience Kosher dining in NYC as well. In addition to the trip, we will also gather once before to help plan the trip and once after to reflect on our experience together. Space is limited to 20 students. Please contact Dr. Eliyahu Krigel at ekrigel@bethelwh.org with questions and for more information. Click in to register! -
Friday ,
MayMay 10 , 2024
Friday, May 10th 7:15p to 9:00p
Join us for a community Shabbat dinner in celebration of Israel and Yom Ha'atzmaut! Click in to register!
Fri, April 26 2024 18 Nisan 5784