B'nei Mitzvah
Shalom!
The bar and bat mitzvah journey is a journey of learning, family, community and spirit. It is a time for our students to explore and express who they are as members of the Jewish community. Along the way, they build greater skills and knowledge in Jewish prayers (tefilot), Torah study, public speaking and project organization.
During this process, our students transform from learners into leaders who have the ability to demonstrate their new found knowledge and skills. There is a core-set of expectations for every bar and bat mitzvah student at GRJC. Beyond the core requirements, our students and families will decide from a menu of options, the knowledge, skills and activities that best reflect their values and interests.
Getting ready for the bar/bat mitzvah is both an exciting and a busy time. We will work together to make sure that the planning for the service goes as smoothly as possible.
The material found here including forms and other helpful documents will assist you in the planning process.
Our B'nei Mitzvah Coordinator is also available for support and can answer questions regarding everything from renting the GRJC for your reception, to menus for kiddush, kippot (yamulkes) and more.
We look forward to creating a meaningful bar/bat mitzvah ceremony with you and your family, one that reflects their interests and provides them with a strong sense of Jewish identity and pride.
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Download a Digital Version of the Siddur Lev Shalem
Click HERE to access the downlad request form and to select the services you wish to download.
For Friday night: Siddur Lev Shalem: Kabbalat Shabbat andShabbat Evening Service
For Saturday Morning: Siddur Lev Shalem: Shabbat Morning (with additions for Shabbat Rosh Chodesh)
Resources for Students
Writing a dvar Torah ("speech")
Mitzvah Project Planner
List of Friday Evening Prayers
List of Shabbat Morning Prayers
Audio Files for Shabbat Evening Prayers
Audio Files for Shabbat Morning Prayers
Transliteration of Shabbat Evening Prayers
Transliteration of Shabbat Morning Prayers
Parent Resources/Logistics
Parent Checklist
Information Sheet (to be completed and returned to main office)
Reservation Form for Sanctuary Photos
Ushering Guidelines
Parent Involvement in Service
Tallit Ceremony (PDF)
Tallit Ceremony Audio (mp3)
Aliyah to the Torah Blessings (PDF)
Aliyah to the Torah Blessings (mp3)
Parent Blessing (PDF)
Parent Blessing Audio (mp3)
Torah Blessings in Russian (PDF)
Distributing Honors to Your Guests
Bar-bat Mitzvah Honors Guide (PDF)
Bar-bat Mitzvah Honors (XLS Excel)
English Prayer Honors
"Meditation" before Torah service (PDF)
Prayer for our Country (PDF)
Prayer for the State of Israel (PDF)
Prayer for Peace (PDF)
Psalm 30: An Interpretive Translation (PDF)
Prayer of Gratitude (PDF)
Psalm 93: An Interpretive Translation
Shelter Me in a Leaf
Links to Other Web Sites
- Hebcal.com
At "Hebcal" you can find the Bar/Bat Mitzvah date, and Hebrew date, and the Torah portion, aliyot, and Haftarah for that day. When you go to "Hebcal", click on the 'Hebcal Interactive Jewish Calendar'. The next window to open will ask for what details you'd like in your calendar. Make sure to click on: 'Weekly sedrot on Saturdays' -- The sedrot are the Torah portions. - MyZmanim.com
At "MyZmanim", you can enter in the local zip code and find out when Shabbat starts and ends on your Bar/Bat Mitzvah weekend. Start by entering the local zip code. When you click on the "Go" button, the current day will open up. At the top of the current-day window, you'll see two horizontal windows marked "Month" "Day". These windows will allow you to search dates throughout the current calendar year. - MyJewishLearning.com
Looking for material about the Torah portion for writing the d'var Torah/B'nei Mitzvah speech? Start at "MyJewishlearning" that has several divrey Torah for every portion. There is also a large amount of material on all Jewish topics of interest.