B'nai Mitzvah

Becoming a Bar (male), Bat (female), or B' (non-gendered) Mitzvah, translated from Hebrew as a descendant of tradition, is one of the most momentous milestones in a young person’s Jewish life. It requires learning, discipline, and preparation, but the rewards extend far beyond the service itself. Our goal is for each student of our B’nai (plural) Mitzvah program to emerge from this experience with confidence in their Jewish identity and a personal, lasting connection to Jewish tradition.

As a small and creative synagogue, we strive to make the B’nai Mitzvah experience personal and meaningful. 

Our 2-year B'nai Mitzvah program will teach your child to lead portions of the Saturday morning services, read from the Torah and Haftarah, and present their own interpretation of the Torah portion in a personal and reflective drash, or speech. 

REQUIREMENTS TO BECOME B'NAI MITZVAH AT AM TIKVAH
Note: Nobody is turned away from B’nai Mitzvah participation for funding reasons.

• Membership in the congregation. Membership means a commitment to support the congregation with the time, treasure, and/or talents unique to your family, and to engage with and connect to the community. Nobody is turned away for funding reasons. 
• Two years of engagement and attendance in the Am Tikvah School religious school program before becoming eligible for B’nai Mitzvah
• Intake meeting and tutoring in service leadership, Torah trope, Haftarah reading with educator
• Participation in the B’nai Mitzvah Passport and Mitzvot Program (more information coming soon), which includes attending designated Shabbat services and cohort gatherings of students and their families during the year leading up to B’nai Mitzvah
• Education with Rabbi Chayva includes drash writing and presentation
• Financial commitment to fund the process of tutoring, education, and logistics leading up to the B’nai Mitzvah. Please schedule a meeting with the Executive Director to discuss special accommodations and our scholarship programs. Costs include the following:

a. Synagogue Membership
b. B’nai Mitzvah Synagogue Fee - $1,000
c. B’nai Mitzvah Tutoring Cost
d. Am Tikvah School Tuition
e. "Kiddush" Luncheon Sponsorship on the day of the B’nai Mitzvah, immediately following services

RESOURCES FOR YOUR B'NAI MITZVAH

Guidebook to you B'nai Mitzvah (Coming Soon)

Community Policies (Kashrut, Service participation, Photography, and more)