B'nei Mitzvah

A Bar or Bat Mitzvah is not only a significant moment in the life of the child, but we also aim to make it a meaningful celebration for the whole family. Through our Bnai Mitzvah seminar, private tutoring, and one on one meetings with our Director of Family Engagement and clergy, families are encouraged to customize their child’s simcha to the needs and personality of their child. It is common for Bar/ Bat Mitzvah to read Torah, haftorah, and present a Dvar Torah in front of the community. To be called to the Torah as a Bar or Bat Mitzvah marks a significant milestone in the journey from childhood to maturity, and we want to ensure that every child and their family experiences the spiritual power of this milestone in a positive, meaningful way.

Parental involvement is key to the success of our program and to the entire Bar/Bat Mitzvah experience, not only to schedule the simcha itself and to encourage attendance and practice, but for the spiritual growth of the family as a unit.

KI’s B’nai Mitzvah Seminar is held the year before the date of the Bar/Bat Mitzvah.  Our focus for the Seminar is on discerning values, building relationships, and grounding Jewish practice as our B’nai Mitzvah become adult members of our community and of the world as a whole.

Beginning in the fall, parents and children associated with the year’s cohort will be invited to meetings with members of the staff and clergy to better get to know you and your desires about this process. Then, during the course of this preparatory year, students and their parents will join together for monthly sessions of learning and community building.

We recognize that your children have many competing commitments, and we appreciate you prioritizing their Jewish formation by ensuring regular attendance at these sessions.

November:  Introductory Session
December:  Chanukah Learning
January:  Community Service Project
February:  Havdallah Program & Tu B’Shvat Learning
March:  Tefillah/Tefillin Workshop & Purim Learning
April:  Pesach Learning & Community Service Project
May:  Yom Hazikaron & Yom Ha’atzmaut Learning
May/June:  Seminar Siyyum at Community Tikkun Leil Shavuot