B'Mitzvah

Becoming a B’Mitzvah is an important milestone in a young person's Jewish journey. During the B’mitzvah year, students work with the clergy and tutors to learn their Torah portions, complete a mitzvah project, and much more. Programs for B’Mitzvah students and their families are offered during the time leading up to B’Mitzvah. Our hope is that the B’mitzvah experience will be a meaningful one, not just for your child but for your entire family as well. Please don’t hesitate to reach out if you have any questions during the process. We can’t wait to grow, learn, and celebrate with your family!

Get in touch!

Questions regarding B’Mitzvah or the process for your family can be directed to our B'Mitzvah Coordinator, Yael Eads.

Yael Eads

412.621.6566 x130

eads@rodefshalom.org

One Year Timeline for B’Mitzvah Families

In addition to this timeline, there will be a combination of B’Mitzvah workshops and/or events for your family over the course of the 5th, 6th, and 7th grade years.

One Year Prior To Your B'Mitzvah:

At your meeting with the clergy, you will receive a packet of information including the following:

Event Planning Guide
Sponsored Kiddush & Pulpit Flower Information
Public Announcement form (for Hakesher and The Jewish Chronicle)
B’Mitzvah Meaning (small booklet)
Torah and Haftarah portions
Tutor’s name and contact information
Friday evening Service form for honors (filled out online later)
Shabbat morning Service form for honors (filled out online later)
Gift Shop Flyer
Mitzvah Project Information
Holocaust Remember the Children project information
Bookkeeping’s Billing Policy for B’Mitzvah Students

A B’Mitzvah billing notice is sent to B’Mitzvah families one year before the event.

We begin billing one year in advance of your child’s B’Mitzvah. This fee includes up to 22 hours of tutoring with the assigned tutor, time with the clergy to develop and write a D’var Torah, and for the rehearsal. Please note that additional tutoring beyond the 22 hours will be billed at a rate of $50 per hour.
You may make payments in whatever time period you wish (weekly, monthly, quarterly, or in one payment). It is expected that the B’Mitzvah fee be paid in full 6 months prior to the B’Mitzvah.

9 Months Prior To Your B'Mitzvah:

Students will begin the tutoring process 9 months out from the date of the B’Mitzvah. If you believe your child would benefit from starting earlier (or if you know you will be out of town for a significant portion of the 9 months leading up to the B’Mitzvah), please contact Yael Eads at eads@rodefshalom.org or your assigned tutor.

Families will set up the tutoring schedule directly with your tutor. You and the tutor will determine the time, location (Rodef Shalom Congregation or Virtual/Zoom), and duration of the tutoring sessions.

The tutors will keep progress charts for each B’Mitzvah student which will be shared with the B’Mitzvah Coordinator and the clergy. Parents will be updated regarding progress and any issues which may arise.

IMPORTANT NOTE: Rodef Shalom Congregation will pay for 22 hours of tutoring. Additional tutoring will be at the expense of the families. Families will be billed directly for the additional tutoring.

At Least 6 Months Prior:

Students should begin thinking in earnest about their Mitzvah projects. These projects should be thoughtful and relate in some meaningful way to your child and/or family. It is particularly meaningful when a student can interact or serve in some hands-on way in the community or beyond.

Mitzvah projects do not need to be completed before B’Mitzvah, but ideally should begin by the date of the B’Mitzvah. If you need guidance or have any questions regarding a Mitzvah project, please connect with your tutor, Yael, or any member of the clergy.

3 Months Prior:

D’var Torah preparation will begin with a meeting with a member of the clergy and an additional check in meeting will occur with the Clergy. These meetings can often be combined.

2 Months Prior:

Second D’Var Torah meeting and check-in with the Clergy.

One Month Prior:

Electronic honors sheets will be sent from the rabbinic office and a rehearsal date will be set.

Two Weeks Prior:

The clergy will meet with the family for the final rehearsal.

Day of the B'Mitzvah:

A member of the clergy will meet with your family at 9:30 am in the sanctuary for a final check. Please MAKE SURE to be on time to the final rehearsal and that all honor participants are at this final rehearsal. The building is open beginning at 8:30 am for pictures and set up. Pictures must be completed by 9:30 am. From 9:30-10 am, the time will exclusively be used for rehearsal. We ask that everyone is quiet and participate in this important rehearsal.

Recordings

Aleinu

Avot v'Imahot

Blessing for Tallit

Blessing before Torah

Blessing after Torah

Blessing before Haftarah

Blessing after Haftarah

Candle Blessing

Chatzi Kaddish (Saturday Morning)

G'vurot (Summer)

G'vurot (Winter)

Havdalah Blessings

Kiddush (Friday Night)

Sh'ma (Torah Service)

V'ahavta

V'neemar