HANDBOOK
FOR THE
BAT/BAR MITZVAH
Revised August 2015
-0-
Table of Contents
Program Overview ............................................................................................................... 2
Policies ...................................................................................................................... 2
Timeline...................................................................................................................... 2
Rehearsals ................................................................................................................. 4
Learning Trope ........................................................................................................... 5
Inclusion ..................................................................................................................... 5
Mitzvah Projects ......................................................................................................... 5
Options for Leading the Bar/Bat Mitzvah Service with Mishkan T’filah ....................... 6
Shabbat Prayer Service CD ..................................................................................... 10
Torah Study Materials ......................................................................................................... 11
D’var Torah Worksheet ............................................................................................ 11
Outlines for D’var Torah Speech .............................................................................. 13
Online Resources for Torah Study ........................................................................... 13
Resources in the Sader-Shimkin Library .................................................................. 14
Parent Blessings ...................................................................................................... 16
Publicity, Announcements and Programs ........................................................................... 17
Publicity and Announcements .................................................................................. 17
Program Samples..................................................................................................... 18
What Guests Can Expect at Congregation Beth Torah ............................................ 22
Sample Letter to Guests........................................................................................... 23
Facilities, Administration, Sponsorships and Donations ...................................................... 25
Facility Information ................................................................................................... 25
Sponsorships ........................................................................................................... 25
Photography and Videotaping .................................................................................. 26
Kashrut (Dietary Law) Policy .................................................................................... 26
Resources ................................................................................................................ 27
Honoring the Day: Participation of Family and Friends ....................................................... 28
Description of Honors ............................................................................................... 28
Worship honors worksheet ....................................................................................... 30
Cues for Ark Opening ............................................................................................... 32
Cues for Torah Blessings/Aliyot ............................................................................... 32
Torah Blessings ....................................................................................................... 33
Additional Notes .................................................................................................................. 34
Glossary of Terms .................................................................................................... 34
Bibliography ............................................................................................................. 35
Gift Shop .................................................................................................................. 36
-1-
Program Overview
Policies
The on-going study of our heritage is essential to providing our young people with the ability to make
informed choices. Upon celebrating a bar mitzvah (for a boy) or a bat mitzvah (for a girl), individuals
acknowledge their “obligation to the commandments” by demonstrating to the community their
intention to knowingly live a Jewish life.
One of the primary goals of CBT’s Weiner Religious School is to provide our students with the vital
background needed to make adult decisions about Jewish practice and observance and to equip
them with the necessary skills and information to be active members in the Jewish community. Only
with continued Jewish education can one begin to gain an understanding of the concepts, history and
philosophy of our tradition. For this reason, all B'nai Mitzvah students are expected to
continuously participate in the Hebrew and Religious Education programs of the congregation
through high school. This means that all bar and bat mitzvah students are required to be enrolled in
TAG up to and including the week of their Bat/Bar Mitzvah. Regular attendance and participation in
CBT’s Weiner Religious School program cannot be made up elsewhere (with the exception of current
enrollment in the Hyman Brand Hebrew Academy).
Excessive student absences and tardiness are disruptive to the flow, continuity and dynamics of the
classroom. Students with less than 70% attendance do not meet our requirements for regular
attendance and do not have the classroom opportunity to adequately learn our curriculum. 6th and 7th
graders with less than 70% attendance will not be permitted to begin or continue with their
b’nai mitzvah training until make-up work is completed. Students in any grade with less than 70%
attendance will not be allowed to progress to the next grade level without completing make-up work
and/or special consideration by the Director of Education and/or Rabbi. After four absences per
semester students may be required to do a make-up assignment created by the teacher in
consultation with the Director and/or Rabbi. A student with less than 70% attendance may also be
required to meet with the Director of Education and/or Rabbi with his/her parent(s) before continuing
in the Weiner Religious School.
Please refer to the Parent Handbook for Sunday School and the TAG Handbook for Wednesdays for
more information and policies regarding attendance and behavior.
Timeline
24-30 months prior to the 13th birthday
Families select dates at a meeting led by the Director of Education and/or Rabbi. These meetings are
typically held in August for families whose students will turn 13 in September-February, and in
February for March-August birthdays. You will be notified of the appropriate meeting by mail. Please
call the Beth Torah office with questions.
Each date can be selected by only one family. Congregation Beth Torah does not permit double
ceremonies outside of siblings. On occasion, the congregation allows for Havdalah celebrations, and
even in the case of these evening celebrations, only one bar or bat mitzvah can occur on any given
Shabbat.
Once you have picked a date, a Bar/Bat Mitzvah fee will be charged to the member family account.
The fee must be paid in full prior to beginning study with a tutor.
-2-
During the 6th Grade Year
Students learn the music and choreography of the Shabbat morning service by attending Shabbat
morning worship with family, listening to recordings of Shabbat morning worship music, practicing for
the 6th grade led service, attending Aleph Bet, and learning about service structure and the meaning
of the individual prayers in 6th grade in the NATE-Accredited Weiner Religious School.
Students are encouraged to attend worship at least twice a month with a parent. Students who want
to lead more than the Service for the Reading of Torah (Option 1) are required to attend Shabbat
morning worship at least 24 times over the course of the 18 months preceding their Bar/Bat Mitzvah.
See below for more information about service leading options.
10-16 months prior to the Bar/Bat Mitzvah
B’nai Mitzvah Orientation
Parents and children attend a B’nai Mitzvah Orientation. This workshop includes an explanation of the
rest of the training process.
Families leave this meeting with an overview of the Bar/Bat Mitzvah program, the Torah portion in
Hebrew and English, and Haftarah portion in Hebrew and English, and the first steps for writing the
D’var Torah.
Through the B’nai Mitzvah Orientation families explore the Torah portion, select the verses to be read
at the Bar/Bat Mitzvah, and learn about the Haftarah portion. The Director of Education and Rabbi are
available to families for help understanding the meaning of the Torah portion. Prior to beginning oneon-one tutoring families should know which 15-25 verses of Torah and the 7-15 verses of Haftarah
the student plans to read at Shabbat worship.
No fewer than 10 months prior to the Bar/Bat Mitzvah
After completing the B’nai Mitzvah Orientation, parents call the B’nai Mitzvah Coordinator to sign up
the student to work with a tutor. Congregation Beth Torah will pay the tutor for 45 minutes a week
over the course of 30 weeks. Tutors should not be contacted directly by parents until after
arrangements are made with the B’nai Mitzvah Coordinator.
5 months prior to the Bar/Bat Mitzvah
The B’nai Mitzvah Coordinator will meet with the student for 30 minutes to assess the student’s
progress in learning to read Torah with vowels and Haftarah. At this time the B’nai Mitzvah
Coordinator, in consultation with the tutor and Rabbi, will determine if the student’s progress indicates
eligibility to lead Option 2 or Option 3 of the Shabbat morning worship. If the student’s goal is to lead
Option 2 or Option 3, s/he must also be on-track for meeting worship attendance requirements (24
Shabbat morning worship services over the course of the 18 months leading up to the bar/bat
mitzvah). See below for more information about service leading options.
2 months prior to the Bar/Bat Mitzvah
Parent(s) and students meet for 60 minutes with the B’nai Mitzvah Coordinator and/or Rabbi to review
the student’s reading proficiency in Torah and Haftarah and go over speeches, worship Honors form
(detailing who will receive which honors at the service), parent speeches/blessings (limited to a total
of 600 words) and the program for the Bar/Bat Mitzvah. Students may then arrange to meet with the
Rabbi for 20 minutes a week up to the bar or bat mitzvah to work on speeches together if they so
desire.
-3-
Students continue with one-on-one tutoring, putting together the components of the service, Torah,
and Haftarah. The tutor particularly focuses on accuracy of all readings and the clarity of speech.
During the last month to six weeks the tutor brings the student onto the bima to read from the Torah
scroll and use the amud (pulpit).
Rehearsals
1-2 weeks prior the Bar/Bat Mitzvah
Student and parents typically have one formal rehearsal:
On the Thursday preceding the Bar/Bat Mitzvah, at 4:00 p.m., students and parents meet with the
Rabbi for a complete run-through of the service, including reading from the Torah and Haftarah
and rehearsing speeches.
Please note: Student speeches and parent blessings are due to the Rabbi no
later than two weeks before the date of the bar or bat mitzvah. If the Rabbi does
not have these documents by that time, these parts may be omitted from the
service.
On occasion, this rehearsal schedule will need to be altered or augmented. When this happens, every
effort will be made to accommodate the family’s schedule. Note: This rehearsal is a great picturetaking opportunity to capture your child actually reading from the Torah. We do not allow picturetaking during worship on Shabbat morning.
Check list for what to bring to these rehearsals:
 Speeches
 Siddur
 List of honors
 Parent blessings
 Tallit and/or kippah (if wearing on Shabbat)
Yom Shabbat: the Day of Your Simcha!
9:15 - 9:30 a.m. Arrival time if you plan to take pictures before the worship service. Please remind
your photographer that there are no pictures permitted during the worship service, and all pre-service
photographs must be completed no later than 10:00 a.m.
10:15 a.m. Student should be ready to go with speeches and anything else that will be needed
during the service (like tallit or kippah). Double check that the greeters you have honored for the
morning are in place. Also check in with others who are assigned honors to ensure that everyone
knows where they need to be and when. It is the last chance to use the restroom prior to worship
beginning. For the family members sitting in the front rows, help to make sure everyone has a siddur
and a Torah commentary to follow along with and to participate in the service.
10:30 a.m. The service begins. Please be sure you and all your guests are seated and ready for
worship by this time. Although children are always welcome in the sanctuary, there is free babysitting
available during bar/bat mitzvah celebrations on Shabbat morning.
12:15 p.m. The service will conclude with Kiddush and motzi in the ulam (foyer). Wine, grape juice
and challah are provided by the family.
-4-
Learning Trope
Trope classes are offered periodically to any b’nai mitzvah students who are eligible. Students are
eligible when they have selected a date for their bar or bat mitzvah, attended a B’nai Mitzvah
Orientation, and are at least nine months out from their simcha date. Classes are an hour at a time on
Sunday afternoons for six weeks running. Class cost is $75 and is due a week before the class
begins.
Inclusion
A word from the Rabbi regarding inclusion at Bat/Bar Mitzvah celebrations:
Bat/bar mitzvah is a time to rejoice at the maturation of our children. Almost magically they
transform, like caterpillars to butterflies, from the cocoon of childhood to the independence of
teenagers.
Part of our children's maturation is an increased focus on friendships with their peers. As you
know, acceptance matters enormously to teens. Add that to the importance of leading worship,
and we have a powerful event filled with emotions.
Nearly every family has a party as part of their celebration. Most often the bar/bat mitzvah's
friends are invited. It’s a fun social experience. But there is also a potential problem!
In the huge potential of this bar/bat mitzvah moment, there is also the great peril of social
rejection. Each year, it seems there have been children who receive no invitations to any
parties. The feeling of rejection can be overwhelming, and children are horribly embarrassed
at the very moment that marks their entrance into Judaism and maturity. A potentially
wonderful and uplifting year can be utterly ruined, and a great opportunity for Judaism can be
crushed. But it's so easy to correct.
PLEASE, PLEASE. If you are inviting more than 50% of the children in your child's
grade level at Beth Torah to your celebration: INCLUDE EVERY MEMBER OF THE
CLASS. I know some of our children will say, "I don't know him/her." "I don't like him/her."
They may protest. But please, we are adults, and we have greater compassion than our
children. This presents an opportunity for compassion instruction. Jews are compassionate!
Let us make sure that we act in the highest fashion on these important occasions. Let's invite
all of the children, all of the peers, to our celebrations, and make sure that the bar/bat mitzvah
year remains a positive and spiritual experience for all.
Thank you for your help and consideration.
Mitzvah Projects
Mitzvah projects are acts of loving kindness a student chooses to do as part of becoming a bar/bat
mitzvah. Congregation Beth Torah does not require or monitor mitzvah projects. These projects,
which many students undertake, are completely at the discretion of the family.
-5-
Options for Leading the Bar/Bat Mitzvah Service with Mishkan T’filah
Leading the Service — Option 1
Leading the Service for the Reading of Torah, reading and blessing Torah and Haftarah and
delivering Two speeches – one as an introduction to the Torah reading, and one as an introduction to
the Haftarah. This is the minimum amount for the typical student to lead.
The tutor will focus on the Torah and Haftarah readings and blessings, and should check in with the
student’s progress on the rest of the Service for the Reading of Torah. All musical pieces can be
found on the companion CD available from your tutor.
Basic Outline of the Service for the Reading of Torah
1. Student comes to the bima during the Silent Prayer following the end of the amidah on page
336-37 of Mishkan T’filah.
2. Student sits on a bima chair during silent prayer.
3. After silent prayer, student goes to the amud (lectern) with the rabbi.
4. Rabbi welcomes student to the bima.
5. Rabbi directs the congregation to page 362 for the Service for the Reading of Torah.
6. Rabbi invites ark openers, parents (and grandparents, if present) to come to the bima.
7. Congregation rises (rabbi directs).
8. Student moves toward the Ark while singing Av Harachamim.
9. Rabbi positions family in line facing congregation from grandparents to parents to student
10. Rabbi takes Torah from Ark, and following singing, offers introduction to Torah passing
11. Rabbi assists the family in passing down the Torah as far as the parents
12. Everyone moves to amud microphone.
13. Parents offer prayer to their child, then pass Torah to their child.
14. Student receives Torah and reads: “In this scroll . . .,” then Soloist sings “Ki Mitzion” through
“Gadlu L’adonai iti”. (pp. 364, 366)
15. Family accompanies student on Hakafah (carrying Torah around to the congregants). Family
returns to seats, student brings Torah to the bima.
16. Rabbi takes Torah, student helps remove yad and m’eel (Torah cover).
17. Student introduces Torah portion (Torah speech).
18. Rabbi announces Torah selection and page numbers.
19. Rabbi calls aliyot and student reads Torah for each one, culminating in his/her own.
20. Following the final aliyah, Rabbi introduces Mi Shebeirach, and student sings along.
21. Rabbi calls Hagba and G’lila (honorees to lift and wrap the Torah); Soloist sings “V’zot
HaTorah.” (Torah stays on the bima on the Torah stand. Hagba and G’lila honorees stay on
bima, sitting in bima chairs.)
22. Student introduces Haftarah (Haftarah speech).
23. Rabbi announces Haftarah selection and page numbers.
24. Student says blessings and reads Haftarah.
25. Student reads Thank You speech
26. Parents come to the bima when the student concludes Thank you speech, and offer their
remarks to their child
27. Rabbi will introduce shehecheyanu prayer; all sing shehecheyanu.
28. Rabbi announces returning Torah to Ark; congregation rises; Ark openers come to the bima
while student reads “Y’hal’lu et shem Adonai…” (pg. 374)
29. Everyone moves to Ark while singing “Hodo al Eretz.”
30. Rabbi places the Torah in the Ark.
-6-
31. Student reads page 375, “When Torah entered…”.
32. All sing “Etz Chayim Hi . . . ” (pg. 374)
33. Ark is closed. Everyone returns to congregation except student.
34. Rabbi delivers charge to student at amud, then invites student to return to parents for blessing.
Everyone related to the student is asked to rise.
35. Soloist & Rabbi do Birkat Cohanim.
36. Student will later be called to return to the bima to receive gifts from a member of the
congregation’s Board of Trustees.
Leading the Service — Option 2
Student Leads from the Amidah (pg. 323 in Mishkan T’filah) through the Service for the Reading of
Torah.
Tutor focuses on the Torah and Haftarah readings and blessings, and should check-in with the
student’s progress on the rest of the Service for the Reading of Torah and Amidah. All musical pieces
can be found on the companion CD, available from your tutor.
Approximately five months prior to the Bar/Bat Mitzvah the B’nai Mitzvah Coordinator will speak with
the Tutor and the student’s parents to assess progress. If a student is progressing with strong skills
the B’nai Mitzvah Coordinator and/or Rabbi may approve him/her leading Option 2 or 3. The student
should know and discuss with the Tutor at least five months in advance if s/he wants to lead more
than the Service for the Reading of Torah. The Tutor will discuss the student’s goal with the B’nai
Mitzvah Coordinator and/or Rabbi, but ultimately the student must show strength in Torah and
Haftarah preparation prior to approval for Option 2 or 3. The tutor is not authorized to approve the
student leading Option 2 or 3.
All students choosing Options 2 or 3 must attend Shabbat morning worship at least 24 times during
the 18 months prior to the Bar/Bat Mitzvah. There is a form included in this Handbook for students to
keep track of their Shabbat morning worship attendance.
1. Pg. 322 Student ascends the bima during Tzur Yisrael and stands next to the Rabbi.
2. Rabbi introduces the Amidah.
3. Pg. 323 Student continues singing with Soloist on 323 - 328 chanting Avot V’Imahot (pg.
324), Gevurot (pg. 325), and Kedusha (pg. 326-28).
4. Student announces, “As we continue with the Amidah, please feel free to remain standing or
be seated, whichever you prefer. We continue on the bottom of page 328.”
5. Pg. 328 Student joins Soloist singing V’shamru.
6. Pg. 329 Student reads English reading at the bottom of the page and the Hebrew chatimah
(last line of the prayer, beginning with Baruch atah Adonai…).
7. Pg. 330 Soloist sings R’tzei. (If it is Rosh Chodesh (the new moon) or Chol Ha-Moeid (the
intermediary days of a festival) student reads English “Our God and God of our…fuller life.
Amen” and the Hebrew chatimah.
8. Pg. 332-33 Student reads English of Modim (“for the expanding … ) and the Hebrew
chatimah.
9. Pg. 556 During Hanukah only: student reads Al Hanisim in English.
10. Pg. 334 Soloist sings Sim Shalom.
11. Pg 336-37 Student announces, “Please take some time now for silent prayer.”
12. Silent prayer — student sits on a bima chair next to the rabbi.
For the rest of what the student leads, see Option 1 for Mishkan T’filah on preceding pages.
-7-
Leading the Service — Option 3
Student Leads from Chatzi Kaddish (page 312) through the Service for the Reading of Torah.
Tutor focuses on the Torah and Haftarah readings and blessings, and should check-in with the
student’s progress on the rest of the Torah service and Amidah. All musical pieces can be found on
the companion CD, available from your tutor.
Approximately five months prior to the Bar/Bat Mitzvah the B’nai Mitzvah Coordinator will speak with
the Tutor and the student’s parents to assess progress. If a student is progressing with strong skills
the B’nai Mitzvah Coordinator and/or Rabbi may approve him/her leading Option 2 or 3. The student
should know and discuss with the Tutor at least five months in advance if s/he wants to lead more
than the Service for the Reading of Torah. The Tutor will discuss the student’s goal with the B’nai
Mitzvah Coordinator and/or Rabbi, but ultimately the student must show strength in Torah and
Haftarah preparation prior to approval for Option 2 or 3. The tutor is not authorized to approve the
student leading Option 2 or 3.
All students choosing Option 2 or 3 must attend Shabbat morning worship at least 24 times during the
18 months prior to their Bar/Bat Mitzvah. There is a form included in this Handbook for students to
keep track of their Shabbat morning worship attendance.
1. Pg. 306 Student ascends the bima during the singing of Psalm 150.
2. Rabbi announces that we will continue on page 312
3. Pg. 312 Soloist & Student lead Chatzi Kaddish (sung)
4. Pg. 313 Bar’chu (sung)
5. Pg. 314 English reading for Yotzer Or and the Hebrew chatimah
6. Pg. 317 English reading for Ahavah Rabbah,” and the Hebrew chatimah (chanted)
7. Pg. 318-19 Sh’ma and V’ahavta (chanted)
8. Student announces, “We continue on page 321.”
9. Pg. 321 English reading for Geulah (“Sing the song . . .”)
10. Pg. 322 Mi Chamocha (sung) and Tzur Yisrael (sung)
11. Rabbi introduces the Amidah
For the rest of what the student leads, see Options 1 and 2 on preceding pages.
Shabbat Mincha (Afternoon) Service
On occasion the congregation finds it necessary to schedule an afternoon service for a Bar/Bat
Mitzvah. This service follows the afternoon liturgy and is often referred to as a “Havdalah Service”
because it concludes with the Havdalah ceremony that separates Shabbat from the rest of the week.
The Havdalah Bar/Bat Mitzvah service begins at 6 p.m. and follows the Afternoon Service in Mishkan
T’filah. Specific student-led prayers will vary and details should be arranged with the officiating rabbi.
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
pg. 338 Ashrei or some part of Psalm 145, sung or read in English (rabbi’s decision).
pg. 342 Reader’s Kaddish chanted.
pg. 344 Adonai S’fatai (3xs)
pg. 346 Avot V’Imahot, chanted.
pg. 349 “Your might, O God…” (or chanted in Hebrew).
pg. 350 K’dushah, chanted in Hebrew.
pg. 352-259 additional readings from the Amidah to be determined with the Rabbi
-8-
8. pg. 360 Meditation
9. Rabbi directs the congregation to page 362 for the Service for the Reading of Torah.
10. Rabbi invites ark openers, parents (and grandparents, if present) to come to the bima.
11. Congregation rises (rabbi directs).
12. Student moves toward the Ark while singing Av Harachamim.
13. Rabbi positions family in line facing congregation from grandparents to parents to student
14. Rabbi takes Torah from Ark, and following singing, offers introduction to Torah passing
15. Rabbi assists the family in passing down the Torah as far as the parents
16. Everyone moves to amud microphone.
17. Parents offer prayer to their child, then pass Torah to their child.
18. Student receives Torah and reads: “In this scroll . . .,” then Soloist sings “Ki Mitzion” through
“Gadlu L’adonai iti”. (pp. 364, 366)
19. Family accompanies student on Hakafah (carrying Torah around to the congregants). Family
returns to seats, student brings Torah to the bima.
20. Rabbi takes Torah, student helps remove yad and m’eel (Torah cover).
21. Student introduces Torah portion (Torah speech).
22. Rabbi announces Torah selection and page numbers.
23. Rabbi calls aliyot and student reads Torah for each one, culminating in his/her own.
24. Following the final aliyah, Rabbi introduces Mi Shebeirach, and student sings along.
25. Rabbi calls Hagba and G’lila (honorees to lift and wrap the Torah); Soloist sings “V’zot
HaTorah.” (Torah stays on the bima on the Torah stand. Hagba and G’lila honorees stay on
bima, sitting in bima chairs.)
26. Student reads Thank You speech
27. Parents come to the bima when the student concludes Thank you speech, and offer their
remarks to their child
28. Rabbi will introduce shehecheyanu prayer; all sing shehecheyanu.
29. Rabbi announces returning Torah to Ark; congregation rises; Ark openers come to the bima
while student reads “Y’hal’lu et shem Adonai…” (pg. 374)
30. Everyone moves to Ark while singing “Hodo al Eretz.”
31. Rabbi places the Torah in the Ark.
32. Student reads page 375, “When Torah entered…”.
33. All sing “Etz Chayim Hi . . . ” (pg. 374)
34. Ark is closed. Everyone returns to congregation except student.
35. Rabbi delivers charge to student at amud, then invites student to return to parents for blessing.
Everyone related to the student is asked to rise.
36. Soloist & Rabbi do Birkat Cohanim.
37. Student will later be called to return to the bima to receive gifts from a member of the
congregation’s Board of Trustees.
-9-
Shabbat Prayer Service CD
The following prayers are recited on Shabbat morning. Preceding each prayer is its page number in
Mishkan T’filah (the Siddurim). Following each prayer name is its track number on the Shabbat
Morning Worship CD, which will be given to Bar/Bat Mitzvah students by their tutors. In some cases,
students will need to listen to the other melodies on the CD for a certain prayer; please check with the
tutor for more information.
Page
Prayer Name ................................................................... Track #
Option 3: From Chatzi Kaddish through the Service for the Reading of Torah.
pg. 312
Chatzi Kaddish ............................................................................ 6
pg. 313
Bar’chu. ....................................................................................... 7
pg. 317/18
Chatima/Sh’ma............................................................................ 9
pg. 319
V’ahavta .................................................................................... 10
pg. 322
Mi Chamocha ............................................................................ 11
pg. 322
Tzur Yisrael ............................................................................... 15
Option 2: From the Amidah through the Service for the Reading of Torah.
pg. 323
Adonai sefatai ...............................................................................
pg. 324
Avot V’imahot ............................................................................ 17
pg. 325
G’vurot ................................................................................. 19/20
pg. 326-28
K’dusha ..................................................................................... 21
pg. 328
V’shamru ................................................................................... 22
Option 1: The Service for the Reading of Torah.
pg. 362
Ein Kamocha ............................................................................. 23
pg. 362
Av Harachamim......................................................................... 24
pg. 364,366
Ki Mitzion thru L’cha Adonai ...................................................... 25
pg. 368
Torah Blessing (before reading) ................................................ 27
pg. 368
Torah Blessing (after reading) ................................................... 28
pg. 371
Mi Shebeirach ........................................................................... 29
pg. 370
V’zot HaTorah ........................................................................... 30
pg. 372
Haftarah Blessing (before reading) ........................................... 31
pg. 372
Haftarah Blessing (after reading) .............................................. 32
pg. 374
Hodo al Eretz ............................................................................ 33
pg. 374
Eitz Chayim ............................................................................... 34
- 10 -
Torah Study Materials
D’var Torah Worksheet
Name_____________________________________________________________________
Hebrew Name ______________________________________________________________
Date of Bar/Bat Mitzvah___________________ Torah Portion _______________________
“D’var Torah” translates literally as “a word of Torah.” Your D’var Torah is an opportunity to teach the
congregation about your Torah portion. By the time you stand in front of the congregation as a bar or
bat mitzvah, you should be somewhat of an expert on your Torah portion.
Learn something new, and then teach it to the congregation in your Torah speech. Tell us how an
ancient or modern commentator understood your portion. Show us how something in your portion
relates to today.
Just follow the steps and answer the questions below. When you are finished, you should have what
you need to begin writing your D’var Torah to share with the congregation!
List 7-10 comments that you find interesting about your Torah portion. Include the source of the
commentary (the name of the person or Midrash or piece of Jewish literature where it originates) and
a short summary or quote that captures what it says.
1.
6.
2.
7.
3.
8.
4.
9.
5.
10.
- 11 -
D’var Torah Worksheet
(page 2)
What section of your Torah portion do you want to study more in-depth and read during your service?
(One way to make this decision: Decide which of the commentaries most interests you.)
Some Torah portions immediately seem like they speak directly to us today. Other Torah portions
don’t! Which category do you think your Torah portion best fits into? Why?
What is at least one connection you can make between your Torah portion and today? You can refer
to your own personal experience or something you read about in the newspaper or on the Web or
something you see on television or something else you know about. Try to be as specific as possible.
Please make an outline of the next things you need to do in order to write your D’var Torah.
- 12 -
Outlines for D’var Torah Speech
D’var Torah Outline
I.
Context of Torah portion
II. Brief summary of Torah portion
III. Summary of the 15-25 verses
IV. Teaching that you want to share
V. “Why is it important for me to celebrate my bar/bat mitzvah?” (recommended)
Online Resources for Torah Study
Bar Ilan University: Academic Articles on the Weekly Torah Reading
www.biu.ac.il/JH/Parasha/eng/
Americans Lectures on the weekly Torah reading by the faculty of Bar-Ilan University in Ramat Gan
Israel. A project of the Faculty of Jewish Studies, Paul and Helene Shulman Basic Jewish Studies
Center, and the Office of the Campus Rabbi. Published on the Internet under the sponsorship of BarIlan University’s International Center for Jewish Identity.
Congregation Beth Torah
www.beth-torah.org
We have many links on our website to other internet places of interest for Jewish study and learning.
Especially for Girls
www.mybatmitzvahstory.org
G-D CAST
www.g-dcast.com
A weekly cartoon about the story Jews are reading in the Torah right now. A different writer tells the
parasha in four minutes.
My Jewish Learning
www.myjewishlearning.com/texts/Bible/Weekly_Torah_Portion.shtml
This excellent site touts itself as “...a trans-denominational Website of Jewish information and
education geared toward learners of all religious and educational backgrounds.” This is a great site to
peruse as a family!
Portion Club
www.emitz.com
Sign up and under “Torah” you can connect with other parents or students preparing to read and
teach from the same Torah portion. Parents may find other helpful information on this site.
Union for Reform Judaism
http://www.reformjudaism.org/learning/torah-study
The Union for Reform Judaism (URJ) offers a weekly Torah study written by rabbis and educators
from across the United States. Most recently, these are written as ready-to-use Torah studies. Older
versions are written mostly as mini-sermons.
- 13 -
Resources in the Sader-Shimkin Library
1. The Torah: A Modern Commentary (1981, red cover) and the Revised Edition (2005, blue cover),
edited by W. Gunther Plaut (in our sanctuary)
 Start with the Plaut commentary.
 Read the introduction to the entire Torah, then the introduction to your book of the Torah,
then the introduction to your section.
 Offers diverse explanations through its various introductions, line by line commentary and
interesting highlights at the end of its section.
 The section divisions in the 1981 edition are not by parasha or chapter and therefore may
be confusing. They are much clearer in the 2005 revised edition.
2. The Torah: A Women’s Commentary (2007, green cover), edited by Tamara Cohn Eskenazi and
Andrea L. Weiss
 This commentary has a simple outline of each Torah portion and is great to look at when
you are working on summarizing your Torah portion or the whole Torah up until your
portion begins.
 Offers introductions to each Torah portion, as well as diverse commentaries after each
portion.
 Offers line by line commentary.
 Focusing particularly on women’s issues in the Torah.
3. A Torah Commentary For Our Times, 3 vols. by Harvey J. Fields
 Very readable summaries of each parasha, plus explanations of the contents.
 Summarizes some of the major commentators.
 Does not include all of the parasha and you may not find the section you want.
4. Etz Hayim Torah Commentary
 Torah commentary of the Conservative Movement
 Excellent combination of traditional and modern material
5. The JPS Torah Commentary
 Available in five volumes in the Sader-Shimkin Library (and an excellent Haftorah
Commentary).
 The best available modern English commentary.
 The best scholarship of any commentary ever produced.
 An adult approach.
 Excurses on individual topics at the end provide in-depth information.
 Introductions to each section are extremely helpful.
 Line by line commentary.
6. Hertz Chumash
 At one time the standard one volume commentary in synagogue pews.
 Utilizes quotations from selected traditional commentators.
 Hertz, chief rabbi of Britain, provided an excellent commentary himself.
 However, too sparse and insufficiently up to date.
7. Interpreters Dictionary of the Bible
 Standard shelf reference for biblical characters and topics.
 Written from a scholarly, Christian perspective.
- 14 -
8. Encyclopedia Judaica
 The most recent Jewish encyclopedia. Use the first volume index first to search for your
topic. You may need to use alternative terms for some things: e.g. — salvation, redemption;
or alternative Hebrew and English terms.
 We have two sets in the Sader-Shimkin Library.
9. The Jewish Encyclopedia (also available online at http://jewishencyclopedia.com/)
 The best encyclopedia of Judaism ever written in English, but obviously the
articles are dated because they were written in the first decade of the 20th
century (1906).
 Very detailed historical articles. You may find that much of the information is
superior for events occurring prior to the 20th century.
10. Sefer HaHinnuch
 Very readable summaries of Jewish law until the late Middle Ages. An excellent
source of the rabbinic position on the laws.
 Comments on the laws in the order of their appearance in the Torah. Therefore, it is
likely to be helpful to focus on a topic for a D’var Torah.
 It helps to understand how Jewish law is derived and to be familiar with rabbinics.
11. Yalkut Me’am Loez
 Traditional commentary on the parasha. Includes traditional commentaries and a great
many stories.
 You will want to spend some time reading to find what’s most meaningful to you.
12. The Book of Legends
 Collection of easy to read midrash from all sources.
 Easy to check how a verse has been used in midrashic material.
 Found topically through the table of contents or index.
 Found by verse through a verse index.
13. Voices of Wisdom, Francine Klagsbrun
 Collection of rabbinic wisdom on various topics.
 Quotations have been edited to be easily read.
14. A Rabbinic Anthology, Montefiore and Loewe
 The best compendium of rabbinic quotations
 Arranged topically through the Table of Contents, by subject through the index
and by source through a source index.
15. Rabbinic commentaries available in English:
 Nahmanides
 Sforno
 Some Malbim
 Some Benno Jacob
 Nehama Leibovitz
- 15 -
Parent Blessings
Parents have the opportunity to offer a blessing/speech they have written to their children at the
conclusion of the Haftarah reading. Your blessing should be no longer than 600 words and should
focus on blessing your child from this moment forward. The 600 word maximum is regardless of how
many parents are speaking.
Sample Blessings
Gail Anthony Greenberg, MitzvahChic pages 81-82
Since Dad and I are both writers, I expect some people may look to us and think, here, finally, are the
people who can find the words that express what is in every parent’s heart at a moment like this. But,
of course, we aren’t those people…there are no words. Just feelings of love and pride that are almost
overwhelming. Pride about the kind of person you are, about all you’ve achieved, but also a pride that
comes from a personal sense of having contributed something really special to the world.
Lots of parents use this moment to plot a course for their child’s life. I don’t have any particular
ambition for you. You have so many gifts; you could do anything really. But I would say, it’s not so
important to set the world on fire; rather to kindle love in people’s hearts and to be a force for what is
good in the world. I wish you an extraordinary life; that is, one filled with the everyday miracles of
love, friendship, children, useful work, and a sense of how precious it all is. You have been a
wonderful son and you will be a great man; a great husband, father and friend. I am so happy to have
a front-row seat. And I am so grateful to be your mother.
Naomi Levy, Talking to God, page 97
May all the gifts hidden inside you find their way into the world, May all the kindness of your thoughts
be expressed in your deeds, May all your learning lead to wisdom,
May all your efforts lead to success,
May all your love in your heart be returned to you,
May God bless your body with health and your soul with joy,
May God watch over you night and day and protect you from harm,
May all your prayers be answered. Amen.
Carole Rosen, Parent B’nai Mitzvah Blessing (Congregation Beth Torah)
I am so very proud of you today. You have worked very hard to prepare yourself. I am so glad that
your friends, family and teachers are here today to see what I see…a brave, smart, accomplished
young man. This is the moment when I offer you what others have given me…the tools and support
to lead a happy and healthy life. I pray that you will accept these precious gifts that those who you
love and respect offer you. I know I have.
Now, here are my words of wisdom…Every day you will have to make decisions. Some will be difficult
and others not. When you evaluate the possible outcome do not let what you believe, be over
shadowed by what others think. Be strong. Make compromises. But most of all do not lose yourself in
the process.
As you continue with your Jewish education it is important to know that I can’t teach you how you
should connect with God. I do know that any level you choose is the right one for you. I encourage
you to tap your resources. These can obtained through your Rabbis, religious school teachers,
libraries, your friends and family. Use them, they are gifts from God.
I am overwhelmed. You have made me so proud. I love you.
- 16 -
Publicity, Announcements, and Programs
Publicity and Announcements
B’nai Mitzvah students traditionally provide information for the following publications:
Tekiah — B’nai Mitzvah are announced monthly in the Tekiah, Congregation Beth Torah’s
newsletter. Please submit to the office a photograph (no larger than 4×6) or a digital file of the
student, suitable for publication two months before the Bar/Bat Mitzvah along with a paragraph that
includes the information outlined below under the heading “For the Tekiah” below.
Write a short paragraph that includes:
 your child’s name
 Bar/Bat Mitzvah date
 grade and school
 hobbies
 other pertinent information
…plus a word of welcome to congregants to attend the Kiddush luncheon (if you are having one).
Mail, e-mail or deliver the article to the Beth Torah office two months prior to the Bar/Bat Mitzvah,
along with a picture of your child.
Examples:
Child’s name, daughter of parents’ names, will celebrate her Bat Mitzvah at Shabbat worship on
Saturday, date of event at 10:30 a.m. Child is a seventh grade student at name of school. She enjoys
band and softball. The family looks forward to seeing the Beth Torah community at worship, and
invites the community to a Kiddush luncheon following services.
Child’s name, son of parents’ names, will celebrate his Bar Mitzvah on Saturday, date of event at
Shabbat worship. Child is in the seventh grade and on the Honor Roll at name of school. He enjoys
playing baseball and collecting baseball caps. Child is the brother of sibling(s), and the grandson of
grandparents’ names and the late grandparents’ names. The congregation is welcome at the Kiddush
luncheon following our community’s morning worship.
Kansas City Jewish Chronicle — If you would like your simcha (joyful event) announced in the
Kansas City Jewish Chronicle, contact Marcia Montgomery at
mmontgomery@metromediapublishers.com or call (913) 951-8428.
Shabbat Morning Program — Many families of B’nai Mitzvah choose to create a booklet to hand out
to guests with an overview of the worship service. It also provides a place for families to thank those
who have participated in the process. You can easily produce such a booklet at home using desktop
publishing software, then make bulk copies at any local copy store. A printed copy of the booklet
(INCLUDING ALL ARTWORK) MUST be submitted to the Rabbi for review two weeks prior to the
service. Once approved, copies should be made and delivered to the Beth Torah office by
THURSDAY morning before the service. Please make 50 more copies than the number of guests you
expect, to accommodate regular worshippers. We’ve included two booklet samples for your review.
PLEASE NOTE THAT PHOTOGRAPHS OF THE STUDENT OR FAMILY ARE NOT PERMITTED IN
THE SHABBAT MORNING PROGRAM.
- 17 -
Bar or Bat Mitzvah Program
Sample #1
FRONT COVER (simple artwork optional; photographs or other images of child and/or family are not
permitted)
Bat Mitzvah of Child’s Name
Congregation Beth Torah
Overland Park, Kansas
Name of Parasha
Book, chapter and verses of Parasha
Book, chapter and verses of Haftarah
Date
Hebrew Date
INSIDE PAGES
Shabbat Shalom
Welcome all and thank you for sharing this special day. Bat Mitzvah means “obligated to the
commandments,” and today, child’s name will begin to meet the religious obligations of a Jewish
adult. She will do this by leading our Shabbat morning service, reading from the Torah for the first
time, reciting the blessings, reading from the Haftarah (prophetic portion) and addressing the
congregation. The tallit (prayer shawl) which she may now wear, with its tzitzit (fringes) at the four
corners, serves as a reminder to observe and uphold the commandments. The kippah covering her
head is a symbol of reverence to God.
The Shabbat Morning Service
1. Preparatory blessings and songs of praise
2. The Sh’ma and Its blessings, our declaration of faith
3. The Amidah, our central prayers of praise and thanks to God, concluding with a prayer for peace
4. Torah and Haftarah readings
5. Concluding prayers
The Torah Reading
The handwritten Hebrew parchment scroll we call Torah contains the first five books of the Bible:
Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers and Deuteronomy. The books are read sequentially throughout
the Jewish calendar year in weekly portions (Parashiyot). The Ark that houses the Torah is a
reminder of the Ark of the Covenant, which held the Ten Commandments as Moses led our ancestors
across the wilderness to the Promised Land. The Ner Tamid (Eternal Light) above the Ark symbolizes
God’s presence among us.
We rise in respect each time the Ark is opened. When the Torah is removed, it will be handed down
from her grandparents and parents to name of child, as its teachings have been handed down from
generation to generation. Then, just as Moses brought God’s laws to the people, child’s name will
carry the Torah throughout the sanctuary. Congregants will touch it with their prayerbooks or tallitot to
demonstrate respect and love for our sacred text.
Child’s name has invited family members and friends to participate in this part of the service by
opening and closing the Ark, reciting blessings (aliyot), and lifting and wrapping the Torah (hagbah
and g’lilah). Special thanks to list of all participants.
- 18 -
Child’s name’s parasha is name of parasha, book chapter: verses. You will find the Hebrew text,
English translation and commentary on pages in The Torah — A Modern Commentary (the red book at
your seat) or on pages in the Revised edition (the larger blue book), edited by W.G. Plaut. Following
the Torah reading, child’s name will recite her Haftarah portion from book chapter: verses on page in
the red and page in the blue.
Concluding Prayers
The service ends with prayers for unity among all peoples (Aleinu), and the Mourner’s Kaddish, during
which we honor God for our own lives and the lives of those who came before us. Finally, we will join
together in a closing song.
Please join us in the foyer after worship for Kiddush and HaMotzi (blessings over wine and bread) and
a luncheon.
BACK COVER
From Parents Names — Our Very Special Thanks
• To children’s names, our wonderful children. You are the greatest of our blessings from God.
• To child’s tutor for your extraordinary gift of teaching and friendship.
• To family and friends who have traveled so far to share this special time.
• To Shabbat morning greeters greeters’ names for making our guests feel welcome.
• To friends’ names for baking, driving to the airport and hosting the out-of-towners. You are such
great friends!
• To the Rabbi and Music Director
• To the entire congregational community for enriching and supporting all our lives.
Sample #2
FRONT COVER
The Bar Mitzvah of
Child’s Name
Graphic Art
(photographs and other images of the child and/or family are not permitted)
Torah portion: Name & Book Chapter: Verses
Haftorah portion: Book Chapter: Verses
Date
Congregation Beth Torah
Overland Park, Kansas
INSIDE FRONT COVER / PAGE 2
WELCOME TO OUR FAMILY, FRIENDS, AND FELLOW CONGREGANTS. Some of you have
traveled a long distance to be here today. All of you have chosen to spend this morning with us. We
thank you for sharing this special day with us as Kyle is called to the Torah as a Bar Mitzvah.
Realizing that many may not be familiar with the service of Jewish traditions, we hope the following
information will enrich your experience here today.
Our Tradition: The literal meaning of Bar Mitzvah is “obligated to the commandments.” On or around
the 13th birthday, a Jewish boy may celebrate a Bar Mitzvah and become responsible to observe the
laws of Judaism to the same extent as an adult Jew. This process takes several years of Jewish
study. Today for the first time, Kyle will accept this responsibility by leading the worship, reciting
prayers, and reading Hebrew from the Torah and Haftarah. Kyle will be allowed to wear a tallit (prayer
- 19 -
shawl) for the first time. His father wore the tallit he is wearing many years ago at his Bar Mitzvah.
The tallit was given to his father by Kyle’s great-grandfather. Kyle is also wearing a yarmulke (or
kippah) on his head.
Many religions have a ritual that recognizes when a child is mature and accountable for obeying
rules. Some Christians have baptism at an age of accountability, others have confirmation. Catholics
receive their first holy communion at the age of seven, an age when a child knows when he has
sinned and can ask for forgiveness. Judaism recognizes the child’s accountability through becoming
Bar Mitzvah.
The Shabbat Morning Service
1. Preparatory blessings and songs of praise
2. The Sh’ma and Its blessings
3. The Amidah or central prayers, offers praise and thanks to God, and concludes with a
prayer for peace
4. Torah and Haftarah readings
5. Concluding prayers
The first three sections of the service acknowledge the oneness of God and celebrate the Shabbat
day. They include the Sh’ma, a central statement in Judaism, which proclaims the unity of God. This
leads into the section called the Amidah, a series of prayers that praise God, emphasize the
uniqueness of Shabbat, offer thanks to God, and include a prayer for peace.
PAGE 3
Torah service: The Torah scrolls are kept in the Ark. Each time the Ark is opened or the Torah is
carried, we show respect by standing. The Torah is a handwritten parchment scroll containing the first
five books of the Bible: Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy. Each week a
different portion of the Torah is read in sequence with the entire Torah finished every year.
Passing the Torah: The Torah will be passed from Kyle’s grandparents, Beatrice and Robert
Goldstein, to Kyle’s parents, Joyce and Glenn Goldstein, and then to Kyle. This symbolizes the
passing of the word of the Torah from generation to generation and the continuity of the Jewish
people.
Hakafah: Kyle will carry the Torah throughout the congregation in a lively processional called the
Hakafah. This is a tradition that represents passing the word of the Torah to the people. Congregants
show their respect by touching the Torah with their prayerbooks.
Aliyot: Before and after each reading for the Torah, friends and family are called to recite a special
blessing for reading from the Torah scroll. The honor of “coming up” to recite the blessing is called an
“aliyah” (ascension).
PAGE 4
English Text of the Torah Portion
PAGE 5
English Text of the Haftarah Portion
PAGE 6
Kyle’s Torah portion (Parasha) is Lech Lecha from Genesis 12:1-16. This is the story of Abraham and
Sarah leaving their homeland for Canaan and Egypt to start a new nation. Kyle will read directly from
the Torah. Reading Hebrew from the Torah is difficult. The Hebrew is not in uniform script, but is
- 20 -
handwritten without any vowels or punctuation and is read right to left. After the Torah reading, Kyle
will read from the Haftarah. The Haftarah is a designated section from a biblical book of the Prophets
selected by rabbis more than two thousand years ago to complement a subject found in the Torah
portion. Kyle will read Isaiah 41:1-8. He will also give his own interpretation of the passages relating
them to his personal life and will share his thoughts about his Bar Mitzvah.
During the ceremony, we will be honoring family and friends as they participate in our service or recite
blessings with Kyle. We gratefully acknowledge them:
Opening & Closing the Ark:
Rachel Goldstein – sister
Naomi and Willis Wollmann – grandparents
First Aliyah:
Linda Rubin – family friend & Kyle’s Hebrew tutor
Marcia Rittmaster – family friend
Second Aliyah:
Mark Goldstein – uncle
Robert Goldstein – grandfather
Third Aliyah
Congregational members
Fourth Aliyah:
Jack Goldstein – great-uncle
Jeffrey Goldstein – Kyle’s father’s cousin
Fifth Aliyah:
Kyle Goldstein – Bar Mitzvah
Hagbah (raising the Torah):
Mark Goldstein – uncle
Opening & Closing the Ark Reesa & John Helzberg – Kyle’s godparents
Carol & Craig Wilson – Kyle’s godparents
PAGE 7
Concluding prayers and closing song
After the announcements and closing song, we will join in the Kiddush, (blessing over the wine to
sanctify the day) and Hamotzi (blessing over the challah). Immediately after these blessings, please
join us in the foyer for a Kiddush luncheon. A separate children’s buffet is located in the annex room
to the left.
BACK COVER / PAGE 8
SPECIAL THANKS!
To Linda Rubin, my Hebrew tutor, for all your kindness, encouragement, and teaching.
To Marcia Rittmaster for her friendship and guidance through my years of religious school and my
summers at Jewish camp.
To Janet Wollmann, Jean Wollmann, and Marilyn Regier (Kyle’s aunts) for handing out programs
before the service.
To Pam Pearl, Annie O’Bryan, Grace Shih, Marilyn Regier, Janet Wollmann, Naomi Wollmann, and
Carol Wilson for the baked cookies and desserts at our kiddush luncheon. You have truly added
sweetness through your labor of love.
To Reesa and John Helzberg and Carol and Craig Wilson for hosting Sunday’s brunch.
To all our friends from St. Louis for answering numerous phone calls and e-mail questions about
preparing for this special day.
To all our relatives and friends that traveled from near and far to be with us this special day.
- 21 -
To Rabbi Shapiro and Emily Tummons for their ongoing support, teaching, and encouragement.
Kyle’s “mitzvah project”: As Kyle prepared for his Bar Mitzvah, the life-long performance of mitzvahs
or good deeds, was emphasized. Kyle’s mitzvah will be a donation to the Mission Project. The
Mission Project is a new program created for helping capable young adults with developmental
disabilities, such as Down’s Syndrome or Asperger Syndrome, to live on their own in a safe
environment with little support. The residents will live in apartments in Mission, Kansas, within
walking distance of the grocery store, local businesses, restaurants, a movie theater, and the
Sylvester Powell Community Center. Kyle’s donation will be used for the purchase and maintenance
of a van that will be used to transport participants to school and work.
What Guests Can Expect at Beth Torah
Please consider sending the following information to your guests who might be unfamiliar with
synagogues. A sample letter follows.
What will you experience when you visit our synagogue? How is it appropriate to behave? Many
people ask these questions when they are nervous about their first visit to a synagogue. We certainly
don’t want you to feel nervous, scared or uncomfortable. A synagogue is a house of God, a place to
feel God’s presence, worship and join a community in prayer. The following guide is intended to help
you feel comfortable when you visit Congregation Beth Torah.
Here are the rules, quick & easy:









When the congregation stands, please stand.
Wearing head coverings is optional: please wear one if you feel so inclined.
Dress modestly. For girls this means shoulders should be covered, a skirt should cover more
thigh than it shows.
Do not leave or enter the sanctuary when the Ark is open (The decorative sliding doors in the
front of the sanctuary).
Participate in whichever prayers you are comfortable reciting.
Never put the books on the floor.
Never applaud.
Do not take photographs.
Set your cell phone to vibrate or silent if you must have it on; otherwise, turn it off.
WHAT YOU’LL SEE
When you enter the sanctuary, you will see the Ark on the eastern wall. It contains the Torah Scrolls,
parchment scrolls on which the Five Books of Moses are written. The Ark has doors with a picture of
the Burning Bush on them.
Suspended over the Ark is our Ner Tamid (eternal light). Its flame recalls the pillar of fire, which
accompanied our ancestors in their travels through the Wilderness of Sinai on their way to the Land
of Israel. An eternal light stood outside our ancestors’ Temple to God in Jerusalem, signifying the
eternal nature of the Jewish Covenant with God. You will find a Ner Tamid burning perpetually in
front of every Ark in every synagogue throughout the world.
- 22 -
The raised platform from which the Torah is read is called the bima (meaning “high place”).
According to tradition, we read the Torah from an elevated platform to signify our respect for its
holiness and to recall Moses’ first encounter with Torah on Mt. Sinai.
You will be reading from a siddur (prayerbook), which contains the liturgy used during the service.
The siddur includes both Hebrew and English. The service leader (either the Bar/Bat Mitzvah child or
the rabbi) will announce the pages as the service progresses. Many of the prayers are sung, for
music is a natural human language for prayer. Some prayers are recited privately and silently, others
communally. For some prayers we stand, because of their importance, and for some we sit. It is
respectful for all visitors to stand when the congregation stands, and sit when the congregation sits.
ABOUT CHILDREN IN THE SYNAGOGUE
Young children are welcome in the synagogue. It is perfectly acceptable for them to quietly walk out
to stretch their legs now and then, but not when the Ark is open. A young child that cries and/or
chatters through a service can be very distracting for any service leader, especially a young one such
as a Bar/Bat Mitzvah, and may also disturb other worshippers. We provide babysitting for young
children at no charge.
REFRESHMENTS
Refreshments, called an Oneg Shabbat (Sabbath joy), are served after the service on Friday
evenings. On Saturday there will be either a light snack or a Kiddush luncheon (luncheon sanctifying
the Sabbath day). Please wait until the blessings are recited before eating and then help yourself and
enjoy!
WHAT PEOPLE WEAR
In our synagogue, it is an option for people to cover their heads as a sign of respect for God — an
acknowledgement that there is something “above” us in the universe. Head coverings, called kippot,
are available as you enter the sanctuary. Jews who are over the age of 13 can choose to wear a tallit
(prayer shawl), which has special ritual fringes (tzitzit) on the corners. The Torah commands Jews to
wear fringes on the corners of their garments as a reminder of God’s commandments. Wearing the
tallit intends to help the worshipper concentrate better on prayer. Family and friends who are asked to
be on the bima the morning of the service should dress modestly and appropriately; non-Jewish
participants may choose to wear a kippah, but do not wear a tallit. Wearing a tallit and/or kippah is
optional for Jewish participants.
Sample Letter to Your Guests & Friends
Etiquette: Proper decorum is expected in the sanctuary. Many families have found it helpful to send
out a note to friends of the Bar/Bat Mitzvah providing information about the content/length of the
service and suggesting appropriate dress and behavior in the sanctuary. While children of all ages
are always welcome in the sanctuary during worship, free babysitting is available every Shabbat
morning. Please be aware of how distracting a crying baby can be to the youth leading worship and
other congregants trying to pray.
Dear Friends of Josh,
We are so glad that you will be able to celebrate Josh’s Bar Mitzvah with us. Your support
means a lot to him!
- 23 -
Many of you may have been to Bar or Bat Mitzvahs before and may know a lot about them. In
case you aren’t as familiar with them, here is some general info about what to expect during
Josh’s Bar Mitzvah service. Please feel free to call us with any questions.




The service begins at 10:30 a.m., so it’s a good idea to get to the synagogue by 10:15
or 10:20. Once you arrive, please come into the sanctuary, where Josh’s school friends
will sit together. We are trusting friends to be on their best behavior during this important
prayer service.
Please try to limit coming in and out during the service, as that can be distracting to
those around you. It is especially inappropriate to enter or exit when the congregation is
standing during the Torah service or when Josh or the rabbi are speaking.
Boys and girls should wear appropriate clothing for a worship service. For girls, dresses
and dress pants are considered appropriate. Boys should wear nice pants and a nice
shirt. Ties are not necessary. Jeans and shorts are not appropriate, nor are spaghetti
straps, strapless tops or very short skirts.
The service lasts about 90 minutes. When the service is over, we will serve lunch. The
luncheon should be over at approximately 1:00 or a little after, at which time your
parent(s) can pick you up.
We appreciate your being with us to celebrate this important day with our family. We’ll see you
on Saturday, September 18th!
- 24 -
Facilities, Administration, Sponsorships and
Donations
Facility Information
For reservations or sponsorships, call the Beth Torah office as soon as possible to ensure
availability. Congregation Beth Torah has the following areas available for rent during celebrations:
Foyer
Triangle
Library
Capacity
up to 210
up to 60
up to 50
Rental
$400
$200
$200
The Sader-Shimkin Library can be reserved to hold a family Shabbat dinner the evening before a
Bar/ Bat Mitzvah. It can seat up to 50 guests and is available by reservation only. Please contact the
Beth Torah office if you would like to reserve the Sader-Shimkin Library for Friday evening. Erev
Shabbat worship begins at 6:30 p.m. in the sanctuary. Please time your Friday night dinner so that
your friends and family are available to join us at this time.
The Bar/Bat Mitzvah family supplies the wine, grape juice and challah for Kiddush and Motzi
following Shabbat morning worship. Please provide one large or 2 small challot for the Kiddush table.
Also include small plastic cups for Kiddush and one ounce of wine/grape juice for each guest.
Most families choose to host a Kiddush luncheon in addition to wine and challah for their guests and
the congregation. Please add an additional 30 guests to your luncheon count to allow for the
inclusion of our regular Shabbat worship community.
Congregation Beth Torah has available 16 round tables seating 8-10 and 10 rectangular buffet tables
for seating or serving. The synagogue does not own tablecloths or tableware. You or your caterer
must provide serving bowls/platters, utensils and all consumable supplies for your event. The
synagogue has available large coffee urns and punch bowls. A floor plan for your luncheon should be
submitted to the Beth Torah office the week prior to your event. Caterers may have access to the
building at 8:30 a.m. for setup. Caterers must have on file with the Director of Community
Connections a certificate of insurance for liability and workman’s compensation prior to submitting a
floor plan.
Building rental for Shabbat is until 2 p.m. Only those having a Havdalah service may use the facility
for a reception on Saturday evening. Contact the Director of Community Connections for specifics
regarding hours for Havdalah receptions.
All functions at Congregation Beth Torah must adhere to the Kashrut Policy that is included in this
Handbook, and is available at http://beth-torah.org/who_we_are/facility_rental.aspx.
Sponsorships
Sponsorship of Bima Flowers: Congregation Beth Torah has two options available for bima foliage
the morning of the event:
Standard potted silk flowers .................................................................. no cost
Fresh floral arrangement ...................................................................... $175 sponsorship
(flowers available only through Beth Torah’s florist)
- 25 -
In order to schedule your sponsorship, please fill out the Facility Rental and Sponsorship Request
Form in this section and return it to the Beth Torah office as soon as possible. Beth Torah staff will
place the flower order.
Congregation Beth Torah invites you to add to your joy by worshipping with the congregation during
Friday night Erev Shabbat services.
Nosh
Our Friday night experience begins each week with a nosh at 6:00 p.m. If you would like to sponsor
the Nosh, for the $100 charge, we will be happy to publicize your sponsorship on our announcement
sheet, from the electronic kiosk located in the ulam and from the bima.
Our Hospitality Community supplies baked goods each week for the Oneg Shabbat at no charge. If
you or your family and/or friends would like to bake for your oneg, please feel free to drop off your
baked goods sometime during the week at the Beth Torah kitchen. Label baked goods noting the
date to be used; this ensures that the baked goods donated specifically for that evening are used on
that evening.
Tzedakah
Judaism teaches that it is appropriate when we celebrate a simcha to remember those less fortunate.
MAZON, a Jewish Response to Hunger, offers a vehicle through which you may add a dimension of
public service to your celebration. By donating three percent of the cost of your event, you and your
family can help relieve hunger.
Contact MAZON at 1990 South Bundy Drive, Suite 260, Los Angeles, CA 90025-5232 or visit their
Website, www.mazon.org, for additional information.
Contributions may also be made to the Beth Torah Hunger Fund or other recipients your family
deems appropriate.
Photography and Videotaping
Photographers traditionally take pictures from 9:30-10:05 a.m. prior to the Bar/Bat Mitzvah. Still
photography should conclude by 10:05 a.m.; photography is not allowed during the service. If you
would like a picture of your child with the rabbi, please arrange to do so during the rehearsal.
Videotaping is allowed during the service. One stationary video camera may be set up at the back of
the sanctuary.
Kashrut (Dietary Law) Policy
Eating is fundamental to Jewish life. It sustains us and reminds us to acknowledge God through our
blessings, thereby binding us to God and the Jewish people. Because Congregation Beth Torah
strives to welcome all Jews — including those who observe the dietary laws — we ask that all
members of Congregation Beth Torah, when planning an event that includes serving a meal in the
building, be sensitive to those with different dietary needs. Specifically, we ask that Beth Torah
members abide by the following dietary rules and guidelines.

We do not concern ourselves whether the utensils, dishes, stoves, refrigerators, other
appliances, counters, cookware or other implements used in preparing and storing food are
kosher.
- 26 -



We do not allow the serving of any animal, fish or fowl that the Torah says is not kosher (pork
or shellfish).
We encourage serving kosher food.
We prefer that all food served be either parve or dairy. When that is not the case, then there
must be sufficient parve or dairy alternatives so that those who observe the dietary laws can
eat without having to preorder a special meal. For instance, when meat is served, there must
be separately available a vegetarian or dairy option, such as pasta without meat sauce.
Salads and other side dishes should be plentiful and available separately from any meat dish.
For more information about kashrut, see www.kashrut.com.
Resources
Please refer to the Congregation Beth Torah Membership Directory for a listing of businesses that
support the congregation through advertising. A list of Lifecycle Event Suppliers can be found in the
Membership Directory.
We are resources to each other! Please consider speaking to members of your B’nai Mitzvah Family
Group (p. 9) about their experiences with different Lifecycle Event Suppliers or any other question
you have about planning for your celebration.
- 27 -
Honoring the Day:
Participation of Family and Friends
Description of Honors
Shabbat begins with the setting sun on Friday night. Congregation Beth Torah invites families to
participate in the service on the Friday evening before their ceremony by leading Kiddush (the
blessing said over wine, sanctifying the Sabbath day). Please let the office know if your family will be
present for this honor. It is always helpful to practice together as a family (see page 122 of Mishkan
T’filah). Your family will lead the reading of the English paragraph while holding the Kiddush cup, and
sing along with the evening’s soloists as the congregation joins in reciting the Hebrew blessing. To
complete the mitzvah of making Kiddush, please partake in a sip of wine/grape juice as the blessing
is completed.
The Bar/Bat Mitzvah ceremony is part of our regular Shabbat morning worship. It is not an isolated
event, but part of a communal worship experience. On this occasion, we recognize a child who is
ready to commit him/herself to becoming obligated to the commandments. Community and family join
together for Shabbat and the child’s joyous occasion. The awarding of an aliyah (being called to the
Torah) is a gift of the Jewish people. For this reason, the marking of the child’s coming of age takes
place in the synagogue — the communal home.
Honors are an important part of the Bar/Bat Mitzvah ceremony. A variety of opportunities for family
and friends exist within the Shabbat morning worship service. Below is a basic guide to the honors,
followed by the worship honors worksheet:
Greeters: The family should select three people to greet congregants and guests prior to
worship. Greeting helps create a community. The presence of greeters helps set a positive tone for
the service and helps everyone feel welcome. Greeters may be Jewish or non-Jewish and they may
be adults or children. Our front door is always locked as a security measure. One greeter should be
in position at the front door from 10:00-10:30 a.m. to allow access to the building as guests
enter. Two greeters should arrive and be in position at the sanctuary center doors by 10:00 a.m. to
pass out books and programs. Please take the time to show your greeters where Beth Torah keeps
its community tallitot and kippot, as well as the location of the restrooms and coatroom. Any
programs, handouts or pamphlets should be handed out by the greeters. Please instruct the greeters
to stay in position until 10:45 a.m. and then to quietly find their seats. Staff will close the sanctuary
doors.
Ark Opening 1: Two to four people may be chosen for this honor. Participants may be either Jewish
or non-Jewish. This is a wonderful place to include non-Jewish grandparents so that they may be on
the bima for the passing of the Torah. Please share with these individuals what is appropriate and not
appropriate to wear on the bima.
Passing of the Torah: This is a very specific honor. The passing of the Torah is representative of the
continuity of the words of Torah from generation to generation. This honor is reserved for parents
(Jewish or non-Jewish) who are involved in raising Jewish children, Jewish grandparents (and great
grandparents, if applicable). These honored family members should make their way to the bima at the
same time as the Ark Opening 1 participants. They typically participate in the Hakafah (the Torah
procession around the sanctuary).
- 28 -
Aliyot: There will be five aliyot during the Torah reading; three will be given out by your family, one
will be a congregational member (coordinated by the Beth Torah office) and the final aliyah goes to
the Bar/Bat Mitzvah. Everyone called to bless the Torah must be Jewish and over the age of 13. A
kippah and/or tallit are optional. Copies of the Torah blessing are included in this section on pages
53-54.
Hagbah: Hagbah is the lifting of the Torah after the reading is completed. This is an honor reserved
for one Jewish friend or relative who is over the age of 13. The rabbi will call the participant up by
name after the reading to perform Hagbah.
G’lilah: G’lilah, the wrapping of the Torah, is an honor given to one Jewish friend or relative over the
age of 13. This participant will be called up by name and will approach the bima at the same time as
the Hagbah honoree.
Ark Opening 2: Two to four people may be chosen for this honor. Jews or non-Jews, adults and/or
children may open the ark. This is when the Torah is returned to the ark.
The list of honorees should be submitted to the rabbi using the Family Honors Worksheet at
the meeting two months prior to the Bar/Bat Mitzvah and to the office no later than the week
prior to the rehearsals.
- 29 -
Worship Honors Worksheet
Please fill out both pages completely and review with the rabbi two months prior to your Bar/Bat Mitzvah date.
Name of Bar/Bat Mitzvah ___________________________________________________________
Hebrew Name of Bar/Bat Mitzvah________________________________________________________
Names and Hebrew Names of Parent(s) __________________________________________________
Date of Bar/Bat Mitzvah __________________ Student begins leading with prayer___________________
Torah verses child is reading _ _________
____ Haftarah verses child is reading ________________ _
(Book, chapter, verses)
(Book, chapter, verses)
Friday Night Kiddush
B’nai Mitzvah and their families are invited to lead the congregation in
Kiddush during Friday night worship. Will your family accept this honor?
Who will participate? _________________________________________________________________
Shabbat Morning Greeters
Three people to distribute programs and Shabbat announcements. Need not be Jewish; may be children of adults
or adults.
(1)________________________ (2) _________________________ (3) _________________________
Ark Openers
2-4 people each time the Torah is taken out. Need not be Jewish.
Taking the Torah Out of the Ark
(1)_______________________________________ (3) _______________________ ______________
(2)_______________________________________ (4) ______________________________________
Passing the Torah
Parents, grandparents, great-grandparents. Non-Jewish grandparents and great-grandparents do not participate,
while non-Jewish parents do.
(1)______________l________________________ (4) _______________________ _______________
(2)_______________________________________ (5) _______________________________________
(3)_______________________________________ (6) _______________________________________
Parent Blessings
Parents may choose to bless their child when passing the Torah. Even when there are multiple parents involved, parent
blessings are limited to two speakers, totaling no more than 600 words between the two parents.
Will your child receive a parent blessing?
From whom? ___________________________________________________________
- 30 -
Aliyot/Torah Blessings
All people called to bless the Torah must be Jewish and over the age of 13. Each aliyah may have 1-6 people ascending
to the Torah at the same time.
(1) Name(s) _______________________________________________________________________
(2) Name(s) _______________________________________________________________________
(3) Name(s) __Congregant (Laura Inften will assign)________________________________________
(4) Name(s) _______________________________________________________________________
(5) Name ____This Aliyah is done by the bar or bat mitzvah__________________________________
Hagbah and G’lilah
A strong person to lift the Torah and a person to wrap the Torah. Both must be Jewish.
(1)__________ __________________________ (2) _______________________________________
Ark Openers
2-4 people each time the Torah is taken out. Need not be Jewish.
Returning the Torah to the Ark
(1)______________________________________ (3) _________________________ ______________
(2)______________________________________ (4)___ ______________________ ______________
Kaddish Names
Please print any names of people who have died that you want mentioned by name prior to the Mourner’s Kaddish on this
occasion:
________________________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________________
Gift Choice
The congregation likes to present all B’nai Mitzvah students with either candlestick holders or a Kiddush cup for lifelong
Jewish celebration. Please check your child’s choice:
Kiddush Cup
Family Pictures
Will you be taking pictures prior to worship?
Please note: The last photograph can be no later than 10:10 a.m. so the photographer can be out of the sanctuary by 10:15
a.m. No still photography is permitted in the sanctuary during worship.
Presenter: __________________________________ Babysitting:_________________________
Notes:
- 31 -
Cues for Ark Opening
To assist in creating seamless worship, please share these cues with your honorees. All
participants are also welcome to attend any of the rehearsals to review their parts.
Ark Opening 1
The service leader will instruct the congregation to turn to page 362 to begin the Torah
service. As the congregation rises, the participants assigned to Ark Opening 1, (along with
the people participating in passing the Torah) should proceed to the bima and walk all the
way to the ark, with one participant on each side of the door. The Rabbi will instruct you to
open the doors at the appropriate time.
The rabbi will motion to the participants to close the ark after he or she has taken the Torah
out of the ark. Ark openers remain on the bima until the Hakafah (walking circuit around the
sanctuary) begins. These participants can return to their seats as the Bar/Bat Mitzvah exits
the bima to lead the Hakafah (taking the Torah to the congregation.).
Ark Opening 2
After the parent(s) bless the Bar/Bat Mitzvah the congregation will be instructed to turn to
page 374 and rise. The ark openers approach the bima immediately at this time, walk
directly to the ark and open it when directed to do so by the Rabbi.
When it is open, they stand facing the Torah scrolls with their backs to the congregation. Ark
openers remain in place through the end of page 374. The rabbi will motion for the
participants to slowly close the Ark. After the ark is closed, all participants return to their
seats.
Cues for Torah Blessings/Aliyot
To assist in creating seamless worship, please share these cues with your honorees. All
participants are also welcome to attend any of the rehearsals to review their parts.
Instructions for the Torah Blessing Honoree
When the Rabbi calls your name, proceed directly to the pulpit and stand on the right side of
the Torah reader. There is a large print copy of the blessing (in Hebrew and transliteration)
available on the reading table. It is not necessary to bring a siddur to the bima. If two or more
people are called to do the aliyah, they should recite the blessings in unison.
If you would like to observe the custom of touching the Torah with a tzitzit fringe or siddur
before reciting the blessing the rabbi can show you the place in the scroll.
At the conclusion of the blessing after the Torah reading, the honored participant should
move to the left side of the Torah reader and wait until the next aliyah is completed before
returning to your seat.
Please find the text for the blessings in Hebrew, English and transliteration on the next page.
You can learn the trope (tune) for the blessings at www.beth-torah.org/worship/torahblessings.aspx
- 32 -
Torah Blessings
Before the Reading of the Torah
Torah Blesser

Bar’chu et Adonai ha-m’vorach!

Congregation


Baruch Adonai ha-m’vorach l’olam va’ed!

Torah Blesser repeats


Baruch Adonai ha-m’vorach l’olam va’ed!

Torah Blesser continues





Baruch atah, Adonai Elo-heinu, melech ha’olam, asher bachar banu
mi-kol ha’amim, v’natan lanu et torato.
Baruch atah Adonai, notein ha-torah.


After the Reading of the Torah
Torah Blesser
- 33 -





Baruch atah, Adonai Elo-heinu, melech ha’olam, asher natan lanu
torat emet, v’cha-yay olam nata b’to-chei-nu.
Baruch atah Adonai, no-tein ha-torah.
- 34 -
Additional Notes
Glossary of Terms
Aliyah: The act of going up to the Torah to recite blessings that thank God for the Torah.
One blessing is recited before each Torah reading and one blessing is recited after each
Torah reading. There are typically five aliyot at Beth Torah on Shabbat morning.
Amud: The reading table from which worship is led and the Torah read.
Aron Kodesh: The ark containing the Torah scrolls.
Atzei Chayyim (Etz Chayyim, singular): The “trees of life,” or wooden poles of the Torah to
which the parchment is attached, and which serve as handles.
Bima: The “raised platform” or area where the reading is done.
Chumash (Chumashim, plural): The Torah in bound book form, often also containing the
Haftarah (section of Prophets).
D’var Torah: Speech that explains and illuminates the Torah text (plural: Divrei Torah).
G’lilah: The act of rolling and tying the Torah scroll. The golel (male) or golelet (female) is the
person performing g’lilah.
Haftarah: A portion from the Prophets section of the Bible corresponding to a particular
Torah portion.
Hagbah: The act of raising the Torah scroll. The magbiah (male) or magbihah (female) is the
person performing Hagbah.
Hakafah: A procession around the congregation with whomever is carrying the Torah in the
lead.
Kippah or Yarmulke: Ritual head covering, sometimes called a “skull cap”.
Motzi: The blessing over bread. On Shabbat a special braided egg bread called challah is
eaten.
Oleh/Olah: The person who “goes up” to the bima during the Torah reading to receive an
“aliyah.” The person recites blessings praising God for giving the Torah.
Oneg Shabbat: The reception after Friday night worship service that celebrates the joy of
Shabbat with refreshments and socializing.
Parasha: The section of Torah read during a given week. Each week during the year has its
own parasha. We generally read 15-25 verses from the weekly parasha during Shabbat
morning worship.
Rabbi: The ordained spiritual leader of the congregation; officiates the service.
Siddur: The prayerbook.
Shabbat: Hebrew for Sabbath, the special seventh day of the Jewish week when we
celebrate our uniqueness as free persons and are able to separate ourselves from the
work week. Shabbat begins at sundown on Friday evening, and ends at dark on Saturday
evening.
- 35 -
Shabbat Kiddush: Sanctification blessing for Shabbat, recited over a cup of wine or grape
juice. This phrase also may refer to the luncheon following Shabbat morning worship,
which begins with the blessing.
Torah: The Five Books of Moses, which is the first section of the Bible. The Torah scroll
contains these five books written by hand in Hebrew on specially prepared parchment by
a trained scribe called a sofer.
Tzitzit: The “fringes” on a tallit (prayer shawl), often used to kiss the place at the beginning
and ending of an aliyah passage. The tzitzit remind a Jewish person over the age of 13 of
God’s commandments.
Yad: The pointer used by the reader, often shaped like a hand. The Torah reader takes care
not to touch the scroll directly with his or her own hand, so that the yad (“hand” in Hebrew)
becomes an extension of the reader to assist in an accurate and smooth reading.
Bibliography
Gordis, Daniel, Becoming a Jewish Parent: How to Explore Spirituality and Tradition With
Your Children. Harmony Books, 1999.
Greenberg, Gail Anthony. MitzvahChic: A New Approach to Hosting a Bar or Bat Mitzvah
That is Meaningful, Hip, Relevant, Fun and Drop-Dead Gorgeous. MitzvahChic, LLC,
2003.
Kushner, Harold S. When Children Ask About God: A Guide For Parents Who Don’t Always
Have All the Answers. Schocken Books, Inc., 1989.
Leneman, Cantor Helen, Bar/Bat Mitzvah Basics: A Practical Family Guide to Coming of Age
Together. Jewish Lights Publishing, 1996.
Rossel, Seymour. A Spiritual Journey: Bar Mitzvah and Bat Mitzvah Handbook. Behrman
House, Inc., 1993.
Salkin, Rabbi Jeffrey K. Putting God on the Guest List: How to Reclaim the Spiritual Meaning
of Your Child’s Bar or Bat Mitzvah. Jewish Lights Publishing, 1993.
Salkin, Rabbi Jeffrey K. For Kids — Putting God on Your Guest List: How to Claim the
Spiritual Meaning of Your Bar or Bat Mitzvah. Jewish Lights Publishing, 1998.
Wolpe, David J. Teaching Your Children About God: A Modern Jewish Approach. Henry
Holt and Company, 1993.
- 36 -
The Gift Shop at
Congregation Beth Torah
Mazel Tov on your upcoming simcha!
As part of a supportive and caring community, we are
committed to helping you find all the items on your wish list
to make your day a very special event.
The gift shop offers a gift registry where you can choose
any gifts from our shop or special order gifts from our online
vendors. It is always helpful for your friends and family to
give a gift they know you really will treasure.
For gift shop hours, or to schedule an appointment, call Kelly
Kaplan (913) 498-1474.
All of the volunteers look forward to working with you.
Prefer to shot from home? Visit our Gift Shop page on the
Beth Torah Website and click through to our online store:
http://bethtorah.org/jewish_resources/the_gift_shop_at_beth_torah.aspx
Shalom,
Kelly Kaplan
The Gift Shop at Congregation Beth Torah Chairperson
- 37 -