B-Mizvah
B-Mitzvah at Temple Chai
B-Mitzvah can be defined as a gateway to adolescence. It is the beginning of a process to becoming not only a Jewish adult through mitzvot but a productive member of the community. Through the B-Mitzvah process, young people grow and learn, adding “tools” to their “Jewish toolbox” which will be carried with them for the rest of their lives, enabling them to be connected and active members of the Jewish community throughout their teen and adult years, during each phase of their lives. We look forward to walking this meaningful path with you and your family and celebrating this milestone with you.
The B-Mitzvah process at Temple Chai is inclusive for parents and grandparents. This is not a drop-off program and we invite loving participation and guidance along the way.
- Group learning on Sundays: Students learn to decode Hebrew, develop a basic vocabulary, and build an understanding of the Hebrew texts from Torah and Liturgy.
- Torah Reading: Students learn the system of Ta’amei Mikra (Torah Trope) and chant from the Torah scroll.
- Tikkun Olam Project: Students encounter core Jewish values through an independently run community service project. Many of students have continued their projects long after the B-Mitzvah ceremony.
- B-Mitzvah Club: During the spring semester of 6th grade, students attend B-Mitzvah Club on Wednesday afternoons, and students and families attend a special Shabbaton and engage in meaningful Shabbat experiences. Through informal education, they explore the meaning behind the prayers with our skilled teaching staff and learn Torah Trope with the Cantor. Shabbat gatherings focus on community, meaning, and fun and our Shabbaton adds depth to the process of preparation for B-Mitzvah and builds community among the cohort of students and families.
- D’Var Torah: In the months leading up to B-Mitzvah, each student writes a D’var Torah, a brief sermon teaching a lesson drawn from the Torah portion. Each family will meet with the rabbi officiating the service at least twice to study the Torah portion together and to support the writing of the d’var torah. Hearing students share meaningful lessons drawn from Torah that are relevant for our own day is a beautiful part of the B-Mitzvah and service experience.
- Time with Rabbi and Cantor: During the year leading up to the service, there are a number of interactions with our Rabbis and Cantor to help deepen the B-Mitzvah journey. There is opportunities to get to know each other, learn together, and prepare for the B-Mitzvah service. Our Rabbis & Cantor are always available for consultation; call the office at any time to schedule a meeting. For more details on these interactions, see the B-Mitzvah Guide Book.
At Temple Chai, we do not make distinctions for the timing of B-Mitzvah based on a student’s gender. All students become B-Mitzvah after turning 13 years old, or very close to that date. After your child’s 11th birthday, Joan Neer will be in touch to schedule the service date. If you have any questions, you can contact Joan at 602-971-1234 or jneer@templechai.com.
