Bar/Bat Mitzvah
Bar/Bat Mitzvah training and requirements are overseen by our Cantor and Rabbi.
At least five years of study at our Religious School or a comparable school is the minimal requirement to celebrate becoming a Bar or Bat Mitzvah at Temple Emanuel, subject to review by the Director of Congregational Education. The Cantor begins to teach Torah trope (cantillation) in the 5th and 6th grades using one of our three SmartBoards (provided through a grant from the Legacy Heritage Foundation.) Students begin to study one-on-one with the Cantor at least 6 months before becoming b’nai mitzvah. Students and parents meet as a group and individually with the Rabbi and students study their Torah portions and prepare divrei Torah with our Rabbis.
Bar/Bat Mitzvah candidates are encouraged to participate in our Junior Social Action program, “Kids Who Care.” This is a voluntary program that provides young people with an opportunity to perform community service. This experience can help students gain a sense of compassion and social responsibility that are part of being a Jewish adult.
