Bar/Bat Mitzvah
Bar/Bat Mitzvah preparation includes:
- Attendance at The Emanuel Religious School or a Jewish Day School.
- Family Education programs for adults and children together.
- Shabbat services, including the Bar/Bat Mitzvah Club (see description below).
- Individual attention from Hazzan Cohn, Rabbi Small, Judith T. Fox, Moshe Pinchover, and, in some cases, other adult tutors.
- Bar/Bat Mitzvah students also participate as a group in classes designed to prepare and challenge them while building group spirit.
- Each student is encouraged to work up to his or her ability. This may include reading Torah, chanting Haftarah, leading prayers, and composing and presenting an original presentation on their Torah portion.
- A Tikkun Olam (Repair the World) project.
Dates for this special occasion are given out two to three years in advance. Special date requests must be made in writing to Rabbi Small.
For more details, download our Bar/Bar Mitzvah Family Guide
CONTACT
Judith T. Fox, Director of Education, (860) 233-2774, judyefox@emanuelsynagogue.org
Hazzan Cohn (for Bar/Bat Mitzvah lessons), (860) 236-1275, cantorcohn@emanuelsynagogue.org
Rabbi David Small (for dates), (860) 236-1275
The Bar/Bat Mitzvah Club
The Bar/Bat Mitzvah Club provides special programming for children who will be called to the Torah as a Bar/Bat Mitzvah during the coming two years. The Club meets on Saturday mornings during the 6th and 7th grade school years and helps children to prepare for this important milestone. Students build on their Religious School education experience to increase their knowledge of the rituals and prayers of the synagogue services.
6th and 7th Graders attend Shabbat morning services at least three times per month to become familiar with the service.
Rabbinic interns, teachers, and teen aides meet with the Bar/Bat Mitzvah Club in the sanctuary at 9:30 a.m. for the regular service. While they may sit with their families, the students often enjoy staying with the group. The Club meets for a discussion session at 10:45 a.m.
CONTACT Rabbi Small with any questions about the Bar/Bat Mitzvah Club, 860-236-1275