B’nei Mitzvah

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Resources for b’nei mitzvah students if you’re not at home:

It is important to take a moment to understand how we at East End Temple view the b’nei mitzvah in the greater context of one’s Jewish life and Jewish education. Rather than approaching this as an ending point of learning, we view it as a significant marker in the education and Jewish life of our students. The emphasis of the experience is put on the learning process, on the weekly accomplishments of the students, on their pride in working diligently and thoughtfully on learning prayers, blessings, Torah and Haftarah portions as well as the d’var Torah. This process is made richer and more meaningful by family participation and involvement. Studying the portion together helps to emphasize the value of lifelong learning and models to our students the true lessons and values within the Torah. We emphasize the excitement and pride we feel in each student and that each student feels in themselves. Students should be congratulated for having engaged in significant studies, for being able to confidently and competently lead services, and for reading from the Torah. In this way, it is the quality and experience of learning that each student undertakes, not only the service itself, that we celebrate on the day of the b’nei mitzvah.

Requirements

  • B’nei mitzvah is only open to members of East End Temple.
  • It is understood that all students who are becoming b’nei mitzvah at East End Temple are raised solely in the Jewish tradition.
  • Students are required to have three years of participation in the East End Temple religious school or its equivalent prior to becoming b’nei mitzvah, in addition to two year of b’nei mitzvah tutoring. Students must fulfill all religious school requirements, including regular attendance, participation, and completion of work. Students who join the religious school later than the fourth grade may require additional tutoring in Hebrew beyond that offered by the religious school.