LIFECYCLES | BAR/BAT MITZVAH

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Bar/Bat Mitzvah

“Bar and Bat Mitzvah is what a young person becomes, simply by becoming thirteen. It is not an event or ceremony. It is not a verb, as in “The rabbi bar mitzvahed my son.” Bar and Bat mitzvah literally translates as, “Son or daughter of the commandment.” What it really means is “Old enough to be responsible for the mitzvot.” Mitzvot are the commandments that a Jew does in order to not only live a Jewish life, but also to sanctify life."

—Rabbi Jeffrey K. Salkin, Putting God on the Guest List

 

To submit your Bar/Bat Mitzvah Window Profile Form online, click here.

To submit your Mitzvah Project Submission Form online, click here.

To submit your Bar/Bat Mitzvah Service Attendance Form online, click here.

Need to practice your Torah blessing? Click here.


Steps to a Successful Bar/Bat Mitzvah at Temple Emanu-El

  • Attend the orientation meeting held at the beginning of the religious school year.
  • Attend the orientation meeting held at the conclusion of the religious school year.
  • Complete the request for a Bar/Bat Mitzvah date form.
  • Register and attend the family study workshops with Cantor Richard Cohn.
  • Decide on what Temple Emanu-El reception space you would like to reserve.
  • Sign and return your confirmation of date letter and pay the Bar/Bat Mitzvah fee.
  • Working towards the Mitzvah hours requirement (8 to 10 hours as a family unit and 8 to 10 hours for the student individually). For ideas towards meeting this requirement check out the Jewish Family Service website.
  • Attend four Bar or Bat Mitzvah ceremonies held at Temple Emanu-El and submit them through the online form above or e-mail the names to Shelly LeFevre.
  • After receiving a letter confirming which rabbi will be working with you and your child, call the rabbinical assistant to schedule meetings.
  • Schedule your Torah practice meetings with Cantor Richard Cohn.
  • Contact Shelly LeFevre with questions and to discuss logistics.

Life Cycles Contact Information

Shelly LeFevre, Life Cycle Coordinator
(P) 214.706.0024 | (E) slefevre@tedallas.org

 


Temple Emanu-El | 8500 Hillcrest Road | Dallas, TX 75225 | Tel. 214.706.0000 | Fax 214.706.0025 | Map & Directions