B'nai Mitzvah
Mazal Tov on your child becoming B'nai Mitzvah!
This is an incredibly special time in the life of your family and we are honored to celebrate with you. In these unusual circumstances, Congregation B'nai Shalom is proud to provide personal support and care for every family in crafting a meaningful Bar or Bat Mitzvah experience.
Please note that the information below may be subject to change. We will of course make every effort to keep our B'nai Mitzvah families updated on any changes which might effect your child's simcha.
We are currently holding Shabbat morning services in our sanctuary to celebrate Bar and Bat Mitzvah. All B'nai Mitzvah services are available via our livestream at https://www.cbnaishalom.org/livestream.html.
Many of your questions can be answered in this document: B'nai Mitzvah - Frequently Asked Questions (updated Sept 2022 - check back for updates as the date gets closer)
CLICK HERE FOR the B'nai Mitzvah Handbook!
Frequently Asked Questions
What are my options for streaming the service for those who can't attend in person?
Congregation B'nai Shalom is now offering a variety of options for families celebrating their child becoming a B'nai Mitzvah. We have significantly upgraded our audio and video capabilities over the past two years, and now are able to provide all families with video streaming of the service, with enhanced video production and recording available as options.
Full details of our video offerings is available at B'nai Mitzvah Video Options
How will our friends and family attend the service?
Whether in person, by Zoom or livestream, we provide guidance on how everyone can be an active congregant at the service. Everyone contributes to the energy of the experience by praying together, wherever they are. The live stream recording is also available for viewing and sharing following the ceremony.
If you have opted for Zoom access for your service, service participants (who are not in-person) will log into the private Zoom call with a link provided by Congregation B'nai Shalom. We have compiled some best practices and tips for Zoom participants on our page Bar and Bat Mitzvah - A Guide for Guests on Zoom. We provide opportunities for all on Zoom to actively contribute to the service through special moments of interaction during the service.
Can we take photographs before the service?
Yes. Please see https://images.shulcloud.com/1510/uploads/PDF/BnaiMitzvahFAQ03-22.pdf B’nai Mitzvah at Congregation B’nai Shalom – Frequently Asked Questions for detailed information.
Please note: The exact timing of photography prior to the service is affected by our COVID protocols at the time of the service. Please contact the Temple Office for more information as you approach your service date.
Do I need to hire a videographer?
No. We provide all of the Tech equipment and support that you need to ensure a high quality digital experience. Details are available at B'nai Mitzvah Video Options. Outside videography is not permitted.
What other options are available to make the day special?
Many families opt to rent our beautiful silk flower arrangements for the bimah. Families find the $180 donation to our landscaping fund to be both less expensive, and a more 'green' alternative to providing bouquets of live flowers.
In addition, there are ways to honor your child at this special moment. Leaves are available on our lobby Tree of Life, as well as marking the milestone by dedicating a prayerbook in honor of the event. Information on these options will be sent to you, and are also available here - B'nai Mitzvah Information and Payment Form (updated January 25, 2022)
Will there be a rehearsal?
Yes! Our schedule of rehearsals with Sharon Brown Goldstein, Lisa Marcus Jones, and Rabbi Gurevitz remains unchanged. The final rehearsal on the Wednesday afternoon before the Shabbat takes place in person in our sanctuary.
How does our child read from Torah?
Students have the opportunity to chant directly from the scroll at several rehearsals in the sanctuary leading up to the day of the celebration.
Is my child's service going to feel less special?
Our Shabbat morning service remains a meaningful occasion for our students to demonstrate their learning of Jewish ritual and for us to bless them on the next step of their journey. We have found that families have brought additional ideas into our service rituals because it provided a space for creativity, and the services have become more meaningful as a result.
Are there changes to the tutoring schedule?
Nope!
Where can I find info about CBS's current COVID protocols?
The Temple Office will be in contact with you throughout the weeks leading up to the service and we will keep you informed of any changes which may be necessary due to our COVID protocols.
B'nai Mitzvah Audio
Friday Night Kiddush (Part 1)
Friday Night Kiddush (Part 2)
Torah Blessing 1
Torah Blessing 2
Haftarah Blessing
Blessing After Haftarah (1)
Blessing After Haftarah (2)
Blessing After Haftarah (3)
Chatzi Kaddish
Borchu
Ma'ariv Aravim (Evening)
Yotzeir Or (Morning)
Ahava Rabah (Morning)
Shema
V'ahavta
Avot V'Imahot
Gevurot
Kedusha (Evening)
Don't Take Our Word for it - Here Are Some Quotes From Parents and Attendees
"Thanks for including me in your Bat Mitzvah. It was such a wonderful service with the perfect balance of gravity and humor, teaching and learning, leading and sharing. I loved that it started with gratitude and the readings really spoke to me, even as a non-Jewish, non-religious person. I appreciated and was moved by them all. So fitting for today, and I guess for all times."
"Yesterday was really terrific. Although we attend our weekly Zoom service and lots of Zoom meetings I wasn't quite sure how this was going to work. It was an amazingly smooth, coordinated service and Lilly truly rocks"
"You, Joe, Lisa and Sharon have always led beautiful, spiritual services. But with the current state of affairs, being able to merge that with the ability to utilize technology to provide a smooth, coordinated service emphasizes how lucky our congregation is to have the four of you as our clergy."
From a Parent: "I just wanted to thank you, not only for today, but for all that you have done leading up to this day. It’s been quite the journey for all the families who had postponements and you really made certain that it was a special day despite the circumstances. We really appreciate all that you did for us."