BAR & BAT MITZVAH INFORMATION
Click here to download the Bar & Bat Mitzvah Handbook.
BAR/BAT MITZVAH PROGRAM When a Jewish child reaches the age of 13, he or she becomes a child of Jewish law - a Bar or Bat Mitzvah. It is a sacred responsibility for Jewish parents to educate their children, preparing them for life as Jewish adults. Shaaray Tefila is your partner in this process.
Together, we will support our students as they work hard to prepare. And together, we look forward to sharing a joyous milestone Jewish experience with you.
RELIGIOUS SCHOOL Attendance in Religious School is required and important to provide the fundamentals before, during, and following Bar/Bat Mitzvah.
TUTORING As our students become adults in our community, the
ability to phonetically read Hebrew is core to participation in worship, as
well as prayer leadership, and is the foundation for further Hebrew
learning. Recognizing that students have
different learning styles and individual needs, all students begin half hour
weekly tutoring sessions starting in the beginning of sixth grade. With
the guidance of their tutor, students will build on their Hebrew reading skills developed in
Religious School, learn Torah trope, review and learn prayers and study their Torah and Haftarah
portions. Once students have completed learning what they will lead at
their Bar/Bat Mitzvah service, they will have the opportunity to choose other
learning focuses, such as Modern Hebrew, learning additional prayers or basic
translation. In coordination with their tutor and or one of the cantors,
the students will be able to design a Hebrew learning program that will
continue to inspire a lifelong love of our Hebrew heritage.
Regular participation in tutoring sessions is critical to the students’
success. A record of attendance and assignments will be maintained by the
tutor and cantors. The tutor will send the parents an e-mail after each lesson
to confirm what was covered and what homework has been assigned. All
students have two progress meetings with one of the cantors to help ensure that
they are staying on track with their Bar/Bat Mitzvah preparation. The
cantors will also be available to help students design additional learning
sessions. Participation in tutoring is expected throughout the sixth and
seventh grades regardless of Bar/Bat Mitzvah date. Additionally, students
with Bar/Bat Mitzvah dates in 8th grade will be provided with
tutoring 8th Grade until the date of their Bar/Bat Mitzvah.
Arrangements can be made to continue tutoring throughout the 8th
grade year if requested at the time of registration.
MEETINGS WITH CLERGY Throughout this process, our clergy work alongside each
student. Each student will meet with clergy during the
year prior to their Bar/Bat
Mitzvah. These meetings take place throughout the year, including
during vacation periods. Meetings with the rabbi will include study
of the Torah
portion, the specific verses to be chanted, and the D'var Torah (speech). Meetings and
rehearsals with the cantor will focus on the students' progress and will
include an overview of the service.
QUESTIONS?
Please do not hesitate to pick up the phone or send an email with any questions or concerns. Remember - we are your Temple family and, as such, your partners in your child's journey toward Bar and Bat Mitzvah.
QUICK CONTACT REFERENCE LIST 212-535-8008
Cantor Todd Kipnis, Cantor
Assistant, Katie Kristoffer x264, assistanttoclergy@tstnyc.org
Cantor Maria Dubinsky, Assistant Cantor
Assistant, Katie Kristoffer x264, assistanttoclergy@tstnyc.org
Rabbi Jonathan A. Stein, Senior Rabbi
Assistant, Trudy Wallace x240, twallace@tstnyc.org
Rabbi Deborah Hirsch, Associate Rabbi
Assistant, Katie Kristoffer x264, assistanttoclergy@tstnyc.org
Rabbi Joshua Strom, Associate Rabbi
Assistant, Katie Kristoffer x264, assistanttoclergy@tstnyc.org
Mindy Davids, R.J.E., Director of Education
Assistant, Claire Levine x229, clevine@tstnyc.org