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B'nai Mitzvah - page 3

What the B'nai Mitzvah Do
The Service: The b'nai mitzvah typically chant the Haftarah, the reading from the book of Prophets, which usually corresponds to the Torah portion with a parallel lesson or idea. In addition, they are called to the Torah to recite the blessings for the 8th aliyah or honor.

Based on the child's ability, he or she is encouraged to also read from the Torah and to lead the Torah service. Children may lead other parts of the service as well. Goals for this added participation will be discussed by the Rabbi and Cantor in your meetings with them, and then developed and practiced with the tutor.

Each bar and bat mitzvah is also expected to give a d'var Torah, or teaching from the day's Torah or Haftarah reading.

The Mitzvah Project: Each bar and bat mitzvah student - independently or with family and friends - is expected to complete a mitzvah (social action) project prior to the simcha. It may be a one-time or ongoing activity.

Examples of actual projects include:

• Preparing meals for a local shelter
• Shopping for a house-bound elderly couple
• Donating books or other supplies to a hospital or shelter
• Raising a seeing-eye dog
• Volunteering in a day-care center or day camp

The Rabbi and Canter can assist in selecting a meaningful mitzvah project.

The Minyan Commitment: Community is a key part of Jewish life. To help support the Jewish community and to practice what they have learned, bar and bat mitzvah students are strongly encouraged to commit to the responsibility of participating in a minyan once per month on a regular schedule (a weekday or weekend evening or Kabbalat Shabbat on Friday night).