Bar/Bat Mitzvah Handbook
Introduction
The Bar and Bat Mitzvah of our children is an event in the life of the entire congregation. As our children grow and mature, they demonstrate greater independence and willingness to accept responsibilities.
The Bar and Bat Mitzvah ceremonies mark this transition from childhood to adulthood. The words Bar Mitzvah and Bat Mitzvah are Hebrew words that mean a person has become an adult member of the Jewish community. Both can be translated as “child of the commandments”.
This transition demonstrates to our children that the privileges of adulthood are also accompanied by greater obligations. The obligations of Torah and the Mitzvot, or commandments, can best be illustrated by the way our children prepare for their Bar or Bat Mitzvah, how they conduct themselves on the Bimah and ultimately, how they behave as young adults at home, in school and in the community
The Bar/Bat Mitzvah ceremony not only marks the passage into Jewish adulthood but also enables family and friends and the religious community to celebrate together the continuity of tradition and faith.
It is both a public and personal reminder of the unique place each Jew occupies in the chain of tradition. For parents and teachers, the ceremony is a reminder of the role they play in transmitting Jewish heritage from one generation to the next. For the child, the ceremony marks the point at which Jewish study should result in Jewish action, the point at which he or she becomes a role model for Jewish children of generations to come.
Bar/Bat Mitzvah is only the beginning of what we hope will be a lifetime of Jewish study. Continued religious school education through Confirmation (10th Grade) is expected of all our students. The values our young people learn here must provide them the foundation on which they can build a productive and meaningful Jewish life.
top
Requirements
Eligibility
1. The student is eligible for his/her Bar/Bat Mitzvah any time after his/her thirteenth birthday.
2. The student has been continuously enrolled in the Religious and Hebrew School from the fourth grade or in an equivalent program in another synagogue or day school. Student is currently enrolled in the Religious and Hebrew School.
3. The family must be a “member in good standing”, according to the Congregation Shaarey Zedek Constitution. A “member in good standing” means being current with their financial obligations before the Bar/Bat Mitzvah ceremony takes place.
4. The Bar/Bat Mitzvah is encouraged to continue Religious School, through Confirmation in the 10th grade.
5. The student regularly attends Religious and Hebrew School according to the Congregation Shaarey Zedek requirements of 80% attendance.
Scheduling
1. Scheduling is done in the fall of the students Fifth Grade year in Religious and Hebrew School. You will be contacted by the Rabbi.
2. It is customary to schedule the Bar/Bat Mitzvah the Shabbat following the student’s thirteenth birthday. If two families request the same date, preference will be given to the child whose Bar/Bat Mitzvah would traditionally be scheduled that Shabbat.
If a Bar/Bat Mitzvah is scheduled during a time that either of the clergy are unavailable, arrangements for a guest Rabbi and/or Cantor will be made by the clergy.
3. Since scheduling conflicts do occur, a Bar/Bat Mitzvah may be scheduled one month prior to or one month after the student’s thirteenth birthday. Scheduling beyond that will be considered and must be approved by the Clergy and the Vice-President for Religion.
Meetings and Rehearsals
1. Orientation meetings are held twice a year. Parents and children will attend an orientation meeting nine to 12 months prior to their child’s Bar/Bat Mitzvah. This meeting covers synagogue policies, expectations, selection of tutors, and procedures in planning for the Bar/Bat Mitzvah. The Bar/Bat Mitzvah Handbook is distributed and reviewed at this time. A materials fee will be collected.
2. The student and his/her parents will meet with the Rabbi and Cantor four to six months prior to the Bar/Bat Mitzvah to assess his/her progress.
3. The student, with his/her parents, will attend four rehearsals the month prior to the Bar/Bat Mitzvah date.
Participation in Services Prior To Bar/Bat Mitzvah
Students will attend Friday evening or Saturday morning Shabbat services at least ten times during the six months preceding the Bar/Bat Mitzvah. Students are required to participate in three Friday evening services prior to the Bar/Bat Mitzvah date. They will read the Ve’ahavta at one, the Avot-Gevurot at another, and the Kiddush (Hebrew and/or English) at a third. The program will work as follows:
1. Parents will receive the entire yearly schedule, which lists the three Friday evening services in which each Bar/Bat Mitzvah will participate and which prayer he/she will read.
2. If any of the dates are not possible, parents are responsible to arrange to switch dates with another family and notify the Temple Office of the change. Phone numbers of parents are included with the schedule.
3. Dates for the remaining seven services are at the parent’s discretion. Students will receive attendance vouchers with his/her name on them. When they come to services Friday evening or Saturday morning, they will put a voucher in the box labeled B’Nei Mitzvah Shabbat Vouchers.
4. Parents are expected to attend services with their children.
Service Requirements
Students will prepare with their tutors the following:
Friday Evening Service
1. Gates of Prayer, Shabbat Evening Service. Ve’ahavta prayer is read followed by the English reading. Service and readings will be assigned two months prior to the ceremony.
2. Gates of Prayer, Shabbat Evening Service. Avot and Gevurot is read followed by the English reading. Continue with Ata Kadosh followed by the English reading. Service and readings will be assigned two months prior to the ceremony.
Saturday Morning Service
1a. 9:00 a.m. service
Siddur Chadash. Read Ve’ahavta prayer, page 242. Avot and Gevurot,
page 255. One of English readings, pages 270-271.
1b. 10:30 a.m. service
Gates of Prayer, Shabbat Morning Service. Ve’ahavta prayer is read followed by English reading. Avot and Gevurot is read followed by English reading. Service and readings will be assigned two months prior to ceremony.
2. Tallit Presentation Ceremony: Blessing for Tallit, Shehecheyanu prayer, English reading and translations of blessings (as indicated on Page 9 in handbook).
3. Torah Transmission Ceremony: Memorize response: I accept the Torah as the ethical and moral guide for my life (as indicated on Page 10 in handbook).
4. Blessings before and after Torah reading; Torah reading, Maftir portion (according to Triennial Cycle). Students are encouraged to chant portion.
5. Blessings before and after Haftarah; Haftarah (selection from Prophets)
7. Speech (as indicated on Page11 in handbook).
If Requirements Are Not Met
If the parents are considered “members not in good standing” meaning that financial obligations have not been met, according to the constitution Congregation Shaarey Zedek, they will be notified so arrangements for payment can be made before the Bar/Bat Mitzvah Ceremony can take place.
If a student is not prepared for the ceremony or has not attended the required services prior to the ceremony, or made significant progress on his/her mitzvah project, the clergy will assess the student’s ability to complete the preparation in time for the ceremony. If the student will not be prepared, the possibility of postponing the ceremony will be at the discretion of the Rabbi, Cantor, and the Vice President for Religion. Parents will be notified in a timely manner of the possible postponement.
Postponement may also be considered if family is not a “member in good standing”, meaning not current in their financial obligations according to the Congregation Shaarey Zedek Constitution.
Personalized Choices
1. A student may choose to read additional verses from the Torah portion, and/or additional prayers during the service. The student will first demonstrate proficiency in the regular requirements. The Rabbi will assign verses and prayers. A student may also request to play a prayer on an instrument. The Cantor will assess the student’s ability and determine if it’s appropriate for the ceremony.
2. Parents may personalize the Tallit Transmission ceremony by adding a few personal thoughts to the ceremony. Additional material will be approved by the Rabbi and rehearsed at one of the rehearsals. All special requests must be made at least one month prior to the ceremony.
Special Needs
Congregation Shaarey Zedek is committed to giving every child the opportunity to become a Bar/Bat Mitzvah. For those students with special needs, a program of study will be developed to fit his/her situation. Please contact the Rabbi for more information
top
The Ceremony
The Bar or Bat Mitzvah and parents will sit next to the Rabbi on the Bimah during the Friday evening and Saturday morning Services.
On Friday evening the mother of the Bar/Bat Mitzvah is traditionally given the honor of lighting the Shabbat candles. This honor may also be given to another family member or friend.
The Bar/Bat Mitzvah will lead the Ve’ahavta, Avot-Gevurot and Ata Kadosh prayers during the Friday evening service and the Ve’ahavta and Avot-Gevurot prayers during the Saturday morning Services.
On Saturday, the Bar/Bat Mitzvah will read from the Torah (Maftir) and a selection from the Prophets (Haftarah). In addition, the Bar or Bat Mitzvah will deliver a short speech.
On the Bimah Saturday morning both the Tallit Presentation ceremony (before a closed Ark) and the Torah Transmission ceremony (before an open Ark) will occur.
Just prior to the conclusion of the Friday evening Service, the father of the Bar/Bat Mitzvah is traditionally given the honor of leading the congregation in the Kiddush, the blessing over the wine. This honor may also be given to another family member or friend.
At the conclusion of the Saturday morning service, the Rabbi or a designated honoree will bless the wine and the challah on the Bimah before the congregation moves into the social hall for the Kiddush.
top
Preparation
9-12-Months Out
The Rabbi and Cantor will meet with the Bar/Bat Mitzvah and parents to discuss all aspects of the upcoming ceremony. Topics will include the Torah and Haftarah portions and requirements for the Friday night and Saturday morning services and the Mitzvah project.
The following items will be provided:
· The Torah portion (Maftir) with its before and after blessings
· Haftarah portion with the before and after blessings
· Recording of Torah and Haftarah portions, and blessings
· Torah transmission and Tallit presentation ceremony words and blessings
· List of potential tutors
· Speech outline including specific Rabbinic commentaries on the Torah portion.
· Congregation Shaarey Zedek Bar/Bat Mitzvah Handbook emphasizing the meaning and importance of the ceremony containing information on family responsibilities, the Oneg Shabbat, use of the kitchen, photography, music and social hall
· Bar/Bat Mitzvah Participation form for the family to identify honorees during the Friday and Saturday Services. A person must be Jewish to participate in any ritual/ceremony on the Bimah such as opening or closing the Ark and handling the Torah. Non-Jewish relatives are welcome to stand on the Bimah during these ceremonies.
9-11-Months Out
● Learn Blessings before and after Haftarah. Begin to learn first third of
Haftarah portion. Read translation of entire Torah and Haftarah portions. Read Rabbinic commentaries on the Torah portion. Think about meaning of portions, what can be learned from them, and how you can relate the message/s to your life. Learn Ve’ahavta, Avot-Gevurot, Ata Kadosh, and Kiddush.
6-Months Out
● Continue work on next 1/3 of Haftarah portion. Practice Hebrew of
Ve’ahavta, Avot-Gevurot, Ata Kadosh, and Kiddush. Parents and Bar/Bat Mitzvah meet with Rabbi and Cantor to review progress. Prepare an outline of speech.
4-Months Out
● Entire Haftarah portion is prepared. Learn blessings before and after
Torah and Maftir. Continue practice on Haftarah blessings and other prayers to be read. Student may request additional verses/prayers if all required material is mastered. Write speech from outline.
3-Months Out
● Meet with the Rabbi to discuss portion. Torah blessings and Maftir
learned. Review Haftarah, Haftarah blessings, and other prayers to be read. Rabbi will review speech. Practice English readings.
2-Months Out
● Rabbi reviews and approves the speech. Practice reading speech.
Continue to practice all material.
1-Month Out
● Begin first of four rehearsals in the Sanctuary. Parents are required at
all rehearsals. The Bar/Bat Mitzvah practices the Friday night and
Saturday requirements (Ve’ahavta. Avot-Gevurot, Ata Kadosh, Kiddush,
Maftir, Haftarah, blessings before and after the Maftir and Haftarah, and
speech). Parents contact those given honors and send honor
instructions.
1-Week Out
● At the dress rehearsal the Bar/Bat Mitzvah reads the Maftir from the
Torah scroll and the requirements of the 1-Month Out rehearsals.
A completed Bar/Bat Mitzvah Family Participation form is due.
Additional Notes:
The Bar/Bat Mitzvah and parents will meet with the Rabbi and Cantor in the Robing room 10 minutes before the Friday and Saturday Services. The Rabbi, Cantor, Bar/Bat Mitzvah and parents will enter the Bimah together.
The Rabbi will rehearse honors with guests after the Oneg Shabbat.
Parents will provide wine and challah for the Kiddush ceremony held on the Bimah after the Saturday Service.
top
Tallit Presentation Ceremony
The wearing of a Tallit is a privilege and mark of adulthood. It serves as
a constant reminder of the Mitzvot or commandments. This is the first time, a Bar/Bat
Mitzvah officially wears a Tallit.
1. Parents and Bar/Bat Mitzvah join the Rabbi before the open Aron
HaKodesh, the Holy Ark.
2. Father reads:
In Keeping with ancient Jewish tradition and in the presence of this
congregation, I bring my son/daughter before the ark of the Torah for his/her Bar/Bat
Mitzvah.
We pray that he/she will understand and live by the profound moral and
spiritual values, which the term "mitzvah" implies.
3. Mother reads:
I now present this Tallit to my son/daughter so that he/she may fulfill
the commandment of enfolding himself/herself in its fringes. May he/she grow into maturity
as a true son/daughter of the commandments.
4. Child recites blessing for the Tallit:
I am about to wrap myself in the Tallit, in fulfillment of the commandment
of my creator; as it is written in the Torah: In every generation they shall put fringes
on the corners of their garments.
Baruch ata Adonai, Eloheynu melech ha-olam, asher kid-shanu
b’mitz-votav, v’tzivanu l’hit-ateyf ba-tzi-tzit.
Praised are You, Lord our God, Ruler of the universe, who has sanctified
our lives through the Mitzvot, and directed us to wear the Tallit.
5. Place the Tallit on your child’s shoulders.
6. All recite
:
Baruch ata Adonai, Eloheynu melech ha-olam, Sheh-heh-che-yanu,
v’kiy’manu, v’hi-gi’yanu la-z’man ha-zeh.
Praised are You, Lord our God, Ruler of the universe, Who has blessed us
with life, sustained us, and enabled us to reach this day.
top
Tallit Presentation Ceremony
(with one non-Jewish parent)
The wearing of a Tallit is a privilege and mark of adulthood. It serves as a constant reminder of the Mitzvot or commandments. This is the first time a Bar/Bat Mitzvah officially wears a Tallit.
- Parents of Bar/Bat Mitzvah join the Rabbi before the closed Aron HaKodesh, the Holy Ark.
- Jewish parents reads:
In keeping with ancient Jewish tradition and in the presence of this congregation, I bring my son/daughter before the ark of the Torah for his/her Bar/Bat Mitzvah.
We pray that he/she will understand and live by the profound moral and spiritual values, which the term “mitzvah” implies.
I now present this Tallit to my son/daughter so that he/she may fulfill the commandment of enfolding himself/herself in its fringes. May he/she grow into maturity as a true son/daughter of the commandments.
- Non-Jewish Parent reads:
My prayer is that you, my son/daughter will always be worthy of your inheritance as a Jew. Know that you have my full support. Take these teachings into your heart. May you be a faithful Jew, searching for wisdom and truth, working for justice and peace.
- Child recites blessing for the Tallit:
I am about to wrap myself in the Tallit, in fulfillment of the commandment of my creator; as it is written in the Torah: In every generation they shall put fringes on the corners of the garments.
Baruch ata Adonai, Eloheynu melech ha-olam, asher kid-shanu b'mitz-votav, v’tzivanu, l’hit-ateyf ba tzi-tzit.
Praised are You, Lord our God, Ruler of the universe, who has sanctified
our lives through the Mitzvot, and directed us to wear the Tallit.
5. Place the Tallit on your child’s shoulders.
6. All recite
:
Baruch ata Adonai, Eloheynu melech ha-olam, Sheh-heh-che-yanu,
v’kiy’manu, v’hi-gi’yanu la-z’man ha-zeh.
Praised are You, Lord our God, Ruler of the universe, Who has blessed us
with life, sustained us, and enabled us to reach this day.
top
Torah Transmission Ceremony
(Saturday Morning)
The Torah Transmission ceremony is the physical transfer of the Torah from the grandparents through the parents to the Bar/Bat Mitzvah. It signifies that the Bar/Bat Mitzvah is now a member in the adult Jewish community and responsible for observing the Mitzvot or commandments. It symbolizes that the Bar/Bat Mitzvah is a member of a chain of tradition that stretches back 3000 years.
1. Parents and Bar/Bat Mitzvah join the Rabbi before the open Aron HaKodesh, the Holy Ark.
2. The Rabbi will comment on the significance of this ritual.
3. The Torah will be passed through the generations, from the oldest family member to the Bar/Bat Mitzvah. Please be aware that a sibling is the same generation as the Bar/Bat Mitzvah and is not included in the Torah Transmission ceremony.
4. After receiving the Torah, the Bar/Bat Mitzvah recites these words:
“I accept the Torah as the ethical and moral guide for my life.”
A person must be Jewish to participate in any ritual or ceremony on the Bimah such as opening or closing the Ark and handling the Torah. Non-Jewish relatives are welcome to stand on the Bimah during these ceremonies.
All participants will wear a Tallit when handling or touching a Torah.
top
Speech Outline
The Bar/Bat Mitzvah uses the speech, or de’ra’shah to demonstrate an understanding of the par’a’shah or Torah portion. In addition, it provides an opportunity to show how this par’a’shah relates to the Bar/Bat Mitzvah’s life.
Please see “How to Write a D’var Torah or D’var Haftarah” in the Bar/Bat Mitzvah book.
Rabbi will meet with each student to discuss his/her portion and will distribute any additional materials to help with the interpretation and understanding of the text.
The speech should be typed with double spacing and no more than two pages long.
You may wish to use this outline:
- Summary of the Torah portion (1-2 paragraphs)
- Rabbinic insight (1 paragraph)
An appropriate Rabbinic commentary will be provided for the Bar/Bat
Mitzvah to analyze.
- How does the par’a’shah relate to the Bar or Bat Mitzvah’s life? Give
Two examples (2-3 paragraphs)
- Thank you (1 paragraph)
Conclude your speech with “Shabbat Shalom”
top
Mitzvah Project
It is good to study and learn. However, Judaism is a religion of action. In Judaism, learning must lead to doing.
Jewish conduct is governed by commandments known as Mitzvot. We express our values by performing specific acts and their performance is an important and required part of the preparation for becoming Bar/Bat Mitzvah.
The Rabbi together with the Bar/Bat Mitzvah will develop a suitable project.
See A Spiritual Journey, The Bar Mitzvah and Bat Mitzvah Handbook for some ideas.
top
Family Responsibilities
The Shaarey Zedek Board of Directors encourages all members of the congregation to attend Services regularly. Although the Board recognizes that this is not always possible, it is highly recommended that the family attend as many services as possible in addition to the ten required of the Bar/Bat Mitzvah. This is to insure that the Bar/Bat Mitzvah and all family members are familiar with the Shaarey Zedek B’nai Mitzvah customs and rituals.
It is the custom of Congregation Shaarey Zedek to invite the President, Clergy and their spouses to Bar/Bat Mitzvah events.
The Synagogue kitchen and social hall are available for luncheons, dinners and parties according to synagogue rules and availability. Contact the Facilities Administrator in the Synagogue office to reserve the building. You will need to give her your completed Building Reservation form, a copy of which is in this Handbook.
Oneg Shabbat & Kiddush
Traditionally the parents of the Bar/Bat Mitzvah, alone or with friends and family, host the Friday evening Oneg Shabbat and the Saturday morning Kiddush at the conclusion of the services. The congregation and any visitors attending services on Friday or Saturday are invited to participate in the Oneg Shabbat and Kiddush.
Sisterhood will provide coffee, tea and sugar, dishes, cups, silverware and white linen tablecloths. The hosts are responsible for cream, lemon, and any other beverages such as punch and the food such as desserts and fruit for the Friday Oneg Shabbat.
If a luncheon is not planned at the Temple, we ask that you provide grape juice and/or wine and a Challah for a simple Kiddush as all congregants have an open invitation to the service.
The family may also prove color tablecloths, skirting for the serving tables and imprinted napkins, decorations and flowers for the Bimah and buffet table. The Facilities Administrator is available to help you in making your selections and will see that our standing orders are cancelled accordingly.
Due to the fact that helium filled balloons get caught in the ceiling fans, there will be NO helium balloons allowed in the Temple.
See the Kitchen Use section for rules
on foods in the Synagogue and the Memorandum on Allocation of SynagogueEvent Sponsor Costs for current cost information.
top
Kitchen Use
Permission is required to use the Synagogue’s locked kitchen. Use the
Building Request-Use Form to specify your requirements and make your reservation.
The Congregation has adopted the following rules for foods prepared in the
Synagogue’s kitchen or brought into the building:
Meat and dairy products may not be served together. When serving a meat
meal, use a non-dairy margarine such as Mar Parv, Mother’s or Fleischmann’s
salt-free. Use Coffee Rich as a substitute for milk or cream. Use vegetable shortening
instead of animal fat such as lard, bacon or bacon grease.
All meat and poultry must be Kosher. Use a Kosher butcher shop or a
caterer who serves Kosher meat. Packaged meats must have the ""
or  "
or " "symbols
on the label. Non-meat packaged products must have the" " or  " or " "symbols or the
word "parve" on the label. Parve means that this item is neither meat nor
dairy. Parve products can be used with either meat or milk products. {NOTE: there are some
additional Kosher symbols in the U.S., Canada and Israel. See the Rabbi for further
guidance if you have questions.]
Non-Kosher meats are pork products such as ham and bacon and beef
hindquarters, which includes sirloin, porterhouse and filet mignon.
Fish is parve, which means that it is not a meat or dairy product. Fish
can be prepared with dairy products i.e., milk, butter or cream. However, it could not
then be served with meat.
Kosher
fish have both fins and scales such as whitefish, red snapper, perch, flounder, trout,
tuna, salmon, herring, lox, sable and sardines. Non-Kosher seafood is fish without scales
such as catfish and shark. Also not Kosher are any form of shellfish such as shrimp,
lobster, clams, scallops and crab. These fish are not permitted in any form including
being used in a stuffing. [ Here is a list of Kosher fish prepared by
an Orthodox ichthyologist.)
Vegetables served with a meat meal must not have been cooked with any
dairy product such as milk, butter, cream or cheese. In addition, no bacon or bacon grease
may be used.
Desserts served with a meat meal must not contain any dairy products such
as milk, butter, cream or cheese. No ice cream or sherbets, which contain milk, may be
used. Desserts made with Mar Parv or Coffee Rich as a substitute for the dairy products
may be used. Gelatin desserts such as Jell-O are Parve and may be served with either meat
or dairy meals.
The Synagogue member must insure that the caterer follows these Kosher
rules.
See the Rabbi for further guidance on what is Kosher and appropriate at
Shaarey Zedek.
top
Photography, Music and Seating
"
Photography
“Photography and video including flash and use of audio equipment are not permitted during any religious service, nor are photography and video including flash permitted at any time in the sanctuary and in the chapel on the Sabbath or Jewish Holiday. The use of existing, non-intrusive Synagogue-owned audio equipment is permitted in the sanctuary but not in the chapel.”
Photography is welcome at the Dress Rehearsal and at the Oneg Shabbat and Kiddush in the Social Hall following the services.
Music
No musical entertainment such as a band is permitted on Friday evening, Saturday morning or afternoon. However, a band on Saturday evening is permitted.
Seating
There are 235 seats in the sanctuary.
The Social Hall can accommodate 240 guests for a sit-down meal and 200-225 for a buffet meal. If a band performs from the stage there is comfortable seating for 200 with an area for dancing.
top
Recommended Reading
A Spiritual Journey, The Bar Mitzvah and Bat Mitzvah Handbook answers basic questions about Bar/Bat Mitzvah. Parents and children can share a sense of what will happen and why. In addition, those who are not Jewish but who are invited to a Bar or Bat Mitzvah ceremony can gain an understanding of what this ceremony means to the celebrants, to the family, to the congregation and to the Jewish people.
top
Tutors
The family of the Bar/Bat Mitzvah is responsible for arranging for tutorial assistance. The Cantor can help you with your selection. Should you wish to use a tutor not listed here, you must have approval from the Cantor.
The Rabbi will maintain contact with the family and the tutor to insure that Bar/Bat Mitzvah preparation is meeting all requirements.
Each tutor is dedicated to helping your child prepare for his/her ceremony. In some cases, a team of tutors may be used. Most tutors volunteer their time as a Mitzvah.
The following list of dedicated tutors may change without notice as other obligations arise.
Name |
Phone No. |
John Eulenberg |
332-1970 |
Hal Gabin |
487-0815 |
Thea Glicksman |
482-1975 |
Nora Pasman-Green |
351-0444 |
Regan Johnson |
349-7118 |
Jeff Olds |
339-7889 |
Marty Pearlman |
351-1192 |
Nancy Pollack |
351-7360 |
Elizabeth Morley |
347-8115 |
Jerry Weiss |
347-3302 |
top
Performing Honors
The honors during the Saturday morning Torah Service include opening and closing the Ark, carrying the Torah, taking an Aliyah, Hag’bah (lifting the Torah) and G’li’lah (dressing the Torah). The Bar/Bat Mitzvah Participation form in Chapter 8 lists each honor.
All men and women called to the Bimah to perform an honor must be Jewish. A non-Jewish Bar or Bat Mitzvah parent may sit on the Bimah during the Service with their child, but may not perform an honor.
The following procedures are our Congregation’s minhag or custom for performing honors.
The Rabbi or Cantor will call honorees to the Bimah by their English and/or Hebrew name using the Bar/Bat Mitzvah Participation form (Chapter 8). Make sure each honoree’s name is listed correctly.
Men and women must wear a Tallit if the honor involves handling the Torah e.g., taking an Aliyah, taking or returning the Torah from/to the Ark, carrying the Torah in the procession, raising or lifting the Torah, dressing the Torah.
Bimah Honor
The Bar/Bat Mitzvah parents will sit on the pulpit for the Friday evening and Saturday morning Services. While on the Bimah, honorees are expected to maintain a dignified decorum as to posture and attire, rise and sit just as the Congregation does and to follow the service in the prayer book.
Opening/Closing The Ark
Walk the shortest route to the Bimah. Usually, the Rabbi or the Cantor pulls the outer curtain on the Ark. If that has not been done, open it with the plastic wands hanging in the middle. The inner curtain works like a drapery. The pull strings are on the left - pull one - if nothing happens, pull the other. For closing, again pull the string. Leave the outer curtain open. If you are on the Bimah as the Procession with the Torah begins, join the Procession and follow the person carrying the Torah. When you come back to the Bimah and have finished your Honor, exit the Bimah on the right, shaking hands with the Rabbi, President, and the Bar/Bat Mitzvah family.
Taking The Torah From The Ark/Carrying The Torah In Procession/Returning Torah To The Ark
Walk the shortest route to the Bimah. Usually the Cantor will hand you the Torah. If not, lift the Torah designated by the Rabbi or Cantor. Hold it with the Breastplate facing out. Follow the Cantor off the Bimah. Walk slowly so that congregants have a chance to touch the Torah. After ascending the Bimah with the Torah, place it on the reader’s table or in the Ark (if it is the end of the Torah Service), shake hands with the Rabbi/Cantor, and exit the Bimah on the right, shaking hands with all those sitting on the right side.
Aliyah (Blessings Said Before And After Reading From The Torah)
Know which number Aliyah you will be and keep track so that you are ready when you are called up. Walk the shortest route to the Bimah. Stand to the right of the Torah Reader. With your Tallit fringes or prayer book touch the margin of the Torah closest to where the Reader is pointing. Try not to touch the lettering, as it can be worn off from the friction. Kiss the fringes/prayer book, and read the first part of the blessing (which is displayed under glass on the table). After the Reader reads from the Torah, you recite the second blessing. Step to the left side of the Reader and remain until the next Aliyah is finished. Shake hands with the person following you and the Reader, and go off to the right, shaking hands with the Rabbi, President and Bar/Bat Mitzvah family.
Torah Blessings
1st Blessing:
Barchu et Adonai ha-m’vorach.
Baruch Adonai ha-m’vorach l’olam va-ed
Baruch ata Adonai, Eloheynu melech ha-olam,
asher bachar banu mi-kol ha-amim v’natan lanu et torato,
baruch ata Adonai noteyn ha-torah. |
 |
2nd Blessing:
Baruch ata Adonai, Eloheynu melech ha-olam,
Asher natan lanu torat emet, v’cha-yey olam nata b’tocheynu,
Baruch ata Adonai noteyn ha-torah. |
Hag’bah And G’li’lah (Lifting And Dressing The Torah)
Walk the shortest route to the Bimah.
If you’re invited to lift the Torah, there are three actions that make it easier. First, keep it taut. Second, slide it off the desk, and third, bend the knees and lift.
Spread the handles apart on the desk so that three columns of the Torah are visible. Keeping the scroll taut slide the scroll toward you until it is half on and half off the desk. Then bend your knees slightly and pivot the scroll about the edge of the desk into a vertical position. This way, all the weight will be over your hands before you actually bear the weight.
Raise the Torah so that the congregation can see it. As you carry it, keep the scroll taut. That way you are balancing one solid object, not two separate objects. Keeping it taut may feel wrong – you may fear ripping it. But remember the Torah is written on segments of cowhide that are sewn together – not on paper.
Turn a bit to each side, so that the text is displayed to all present. After the congregation sings the response to your lifting, you can move to the seat and let the bottoms of the rollers come to rest on your thighs as you sit (before lifting make sure you know where you are going to sit down with the Torah after you have lifted it).
Continue holding the Torah upright as it is being dressed. The dressed Torah will be taken from you and placed in the holder on the wall. Then exit the Bimah to the right shaking hands with the Rabbi, President and Bar/Bat Mitzvah family.
If you’re assigned to dress the Torah (G’li’lah) remember, the front of the scroll will be facing the seated lifter; that is, facing away from you.
1. Use the tops of the rollers to close the scroll tightly (the handle on your left goes above the handle on the right).
2. Tie (or buckle or Velcro) a sash around the scroll, fastening it in front.
3. Then slip the mantle over from the top with decoration facing the person holding the Torah. As with the sash, the mantle faces away from you.
4. Place Breastplate over the scroll, facing the person holding the Torah.
5. Place the yad (pointer) over the right handle of scroll (your right as you face the scroll).
6. Place crown on top.
When the Torah is dressed, place it in one of the wooden holders attached to the wall, then exit the Bimah on the right, shaking hands with those sitting on the right side of the Bimah.
Don’t worry about being nervous or forgetting the steps, someone will be right next to you to help if you need it.
top
Torah, Maftir & Haftarah
Three Important Definitions
These three words describe the centerpiece of the Shabbat morning service.
The Torah scroll contains the Five Books of Moses: Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy. The chapters are chanted consecutively each week across the year, Genesis through Deuteronomy.
At his/her ceremony, your child will be called up to the Torah as the maftir, the person who chants the concluding sentences of that week’s reading. Theword is based on a Hebrew root that has a number of synonyms including, ‘to be rid of,’ ‘conclude,’ discharge,’ ‘cease,’ ‘dismiss,’ ‘give up.’ The maftir reads the final sentences which conclude the Torah reading for that Shabbat. When the maftir has discharged this obligation, reading from the Torah scroll ceases.
However, the maftir’s responsibility does not end at this point. She/he continues by reading the haftarah. This is the selection from the Book of the Prophets chosen by our sages to accompany the weekly Torah portion. The word ‘haftarah’ comes from the same Hebrew root as ‘maftir.’ The reading of the haftarah signals that the day’s scriptural readings have been concluded.
Beware: The word ‘haftarah’ is often incorrectly pronounced as ‘haftorah,’ as if it had something to do with reading from the scroll. In fact, these are two entirely different words with entirely different spellings in Hebrew. The Torah is the Five Books of Moses. The haftarah is a selection from the Book of the Prophets.
top
Event Costs Memo
Oneg Shabbat and Kiddush
Linens
The Sisterhood supplies 15 white linen tablecloths for the Friday evening Oneg Shabbat. We use 81" x 81" square tablecloths for our round tables. (72" squares do not have
adequate overlap.)
The sponsor is responsible for ordering and payment of additional white tablecloths or colored tablecloths (if desired). The sponsor will be responsible for all table skirting, linen
napkins, and any other linens or decorations. Please discuss your plans with the Facilities
Administrator.
Beverages
Sisterhood will provide coffee, tea and sugar, dishes, cups, silverware and white
tablecloths as stated above. The hosts are responsible for cream, lemon and other
beverages such as punch and all foods such as dessert and fruit for the Friday Oneg
Shabbat.
If you do not plan on having a luncheon at the Temple, following the Saturday morning
service, we ask that you provide grape juice and/or wine and a Challah for a simple
Kiddush as all congregants have an open invitation to the service.
Services/Labor
The Congregation will provide at no charge, up to 3.5 hours of labor for set-up of the Oneg Shabbat, clean-up after and set-up for the Saturday morning Kiddush. On Saturday
morning, the Congregation will provide at no charge, up to 3.5 hours of labor for the
Kiddush and clean-up afterwards.
The sponsor will be charged the current wage rate for any additional setup, breakdown or
clean up charges beyond the customary Friday evening Oneg and Saturday morning
Kiddush hours mentioned above.
Miscellaneous
Costs for bimah and social hall floral arrangements are the sponsor's responsibility.
Please discuss your plans with the Facilities Administrator so the standing order can be
cancelled.
Any additional items, such as musicians, entertainment, and those not mentioned
above will be solely the sponsor's responsibility.
Members' Use of the Building
If you desire to use the building for a private occasion with food service, other than an Oneg Shabbat or a Kiddush, the following charges will apply.
Sanctuary: No charge Social Hall: $350.00
top
|
