B'nai Mitzvah

Welcome!

I am delighted to welcome you to the Congregation of Reform Judaism's B’nai Mitzvah Resource Page. I use the word "B'nai" when referring to more than one "Bar" or "Bat" Mitzvah Candidate. "B'nai Mitzvah" will be the phrase I employ throughout this page.

Goals and objectives of the Program

To provide a meaningful Jewish experience for the B'nai Mitzvah candidate and his/her family.
To enable the B'nai Mitzvah candidate to achieve a basic working knowledge of Jewish prayer and Torah reading. Fun fact: The Hebrew word for prayer is T'filah, which is part of the title of the prayer book we use!
To build a life-long relationship with every individual through care and compassion, and to aid in self discovery and expression.
To be a guiding light during the B'nai Mitzvah candidate's transition from childhood to adulthood by creating a safe and supportive environment that encourages continued participation at CRJ and in Jewish life after the ceremony.

Please note that if your son or daughter would like to become Bar or Bat Mitzvah at CRJ, he/she is required to attend JEEP through 6th grade and YALA once in 7th Grade. Part of becoming Bar or Bat Mitzvah at CRJ is committing to CRJ's family and community, and with that, comes personal growth and the development of Jewish identity. JEEP and YALA are both important educational and social experiences that are necessary to be ready for this Jewish milestone. We also want you and your family to feel that CRJ is your spiritual home, that you belong at CRJ, and that CRJ will be there for you and your family.

Attendance at JEEP is crucial every year, but especially during your child's 6th grade year, not only for educational purposes, but also for community building purposes. Ideally, your 6^th grader should be attending every Sunday when JEEP is in session; however, if he/she does not make it to at least 10 Sunday sessions from now until the last day of JEEP, his/her Bar/Bat Mitzvah date will be at risk. Attending the weekly 30-minute Hebrew sessions does not make up for missed Sunday sessions.
It is very important that ALL 6^th graders are present for the 6^th Grade Shabbat Service, which is always on a Saturday morning. They will learn and lead the prayers that they will do at their own B'nai Mitzvah services.
Attendance at YALA on Monday evenings (5:30-8pm) is critical during their 7th Grade year, so please keep this in mind when planning your child's weekly schedule for his/her 7^th grade year.

We do understand that things come up that will cause your child to miss JEEP, which is reasonable if on occasion. We also realize that Sundays are times to spend with family/friends or do other activities that can't be done during the week. Nevertheless, we ask that you make JEEP a top priority for your child's 6th grade year, and YALA a top priority for your child's 7th grade year, in order to give him/her the best Jewish education and experience(s) possible.

If you have any questions about the B'nai Mitzvah Program, or would like to watch any B'nai Mitzvah services that occurred already or will occur, please email me at your convenience.

If you have any administrative or logistical questions, please reach out to Bari Sigal or call the main office at (407) 645-0444.

I look forward to hearing from you soon!

~Cantor Bryce Megdal~