B’nai Mitzvah Program

CURRICULUM

The CAI B’nai Mitzvah Curriculum is designed to provide a well-rounded Bar/Bat Mitzvah experience. By participating in all aspects of the curriculum, your child will receive an education based on lifelong knowledge and skills for continued participation in Jewish life.

B’nai Mitzvah Class with Cantorial Soloist and Education & Youth Director Nichole Chorny

  • Tefilla/Prayer: Students learn to lead Shabbat Services in an individual and group setting. Students discuss meaning of the prayers, which is tied into Values-Based Education.
  • Torah/Haftorah: Students are provided with one-on-one tutoring for their Torah and Haftorah portions.
  • Ritual Learning: Students learn the “ins and outs” of the service and participate in group discussions about what is it to become an adult leader in our Jewish Community.

B’nai Mitzvah Class with Rabbi Metz

  • Torah & Haftorah Study: Students study their individual Torah & Haftorah portions and compose their Drash (speech) to share with the congregation.
  • Bar/Bat Mitzvah Project: Students get guidance on creating a Bar/Bat Mitzvah Project that is meaningful and important to them.

SHABBAT MORNING Services

  • Services begin every Saturday morning at 9:00am. Students should arrive at least by 9:30am to be able to participate fully, and sit together in the pews in front of the Rabbi's lectern. 
  • Students participate in many parts of the service as a class, including the Torah Service and concluding prayers.
  • Students get further oriented with the Shabbat morning service and begin to feel more confident with their own participation. 

B'nai Mitzvah Havurah (Fellowship) Program

  • Three to five family programs per year that are specially designed for B’nai Mitzvah students, parents/guardians, and siblings.
  • Programs are held either immediately following B’nai Mitzvah class on Tuesdays or immediately following Shabbat morning services.
  • Each program covers a different topic related to the B’nai Mitzvah process, and provides an opportunity to get to know other families going through the same process.

Note: For additional information about the 7th & 8th Grade/Junior USY program, see B'Yahad and/or USY.

B’NAI MITZVAH KALLAH (Orientation)

Sixth grade students and families are contacted every fall to participate in our B’nai Mitzvah Kallah (Orientation). The orientation includes an introduction to our B’nai Mitzvah program, the importance and meaning of this special event, details on planning, and a special activity with the students and families.

INTAKE INFORMATION – When will my child start?

Bar and Bat Mitzvah dates are given out in the late fall of each student’s fifth grade year. Approximately 9 to 12 months in advance of their date, students are contacted to begin B’nai Mitzvah class. The first “intake” session includes an introduction to the class, media website with study materials, and evaluation of each student’s level and needs. Materials are given out at the intake session, and we hold two to three intakes each year, depending on dates and students.

MATERIALS

For questions or more information, please contact Nichole Chorny.