Traditionally, the Bar/Bat Mitzvah celebration marks the point at which a young person is first allowed to take part in all rituals and ceremonies available to adult members of the religious community.It was the time when she/he became obligated to the Mitzvot (commandments).Bar/Bat Mitzvah thus marks the beginning of a child’s entry into the adult religious world and places upon her/him the responsibilities of carrying on a heritage and tradition thousands of years old.
As part of the educational and religious program of the congregation, we offer the privilege of Bar/Bat Mitzvah to all our students.At age 13 or older, these students must be enrolled in our ReligiousSchool.
At Temple B'naiIsrael, Bar and Bat Mitzvah is one ceremony along the continuum of Jewish Learning, a portion of the larger program of Jewish Education.
The Bar/Bat Mitzvah ceremony obviously derives its best meaning from the loyalty it should build within the individual young people toward the Temple and Jewish Religious ideals.A family is indispensable in the re-enforcement of this loyalty by its participation in Temple activities, its attendance at religious services and its continuation of religious education.
