B'nei Mitzvah
B'nei Mitzvah
Becoming a Bar/Bat/B'nei Mitzvah is an exciting time for children and their families. We strive to make the process meaningful and fun. Bar/Bat/B'nei Mitzvah dates are assigned at the end of your child's fifth grade year. If your child begins Religious School after that time, a date will still be available for them. Approximately 9-12 months prior to your child's date, you will be notified that your child will be working with a member of our clergy to begin their preparation. B'nei Mitzvah classes are held on Wednesday afternoons. Every student will be given plenty of preparation time in a friendly study group setting with the Cantor. We provide materials that lay out all of the requirements in a clear and easy to follow manual and the use of MP3 files to assist in studying so that our students are able to chant their way through the prayers and Torah portions with great fluency.
In addition, students will be meeting with Rabbi Shpeen or Rabbi Weitzman to discuss their d'var torah (sermon) and with Shara Siegfeld to plan their Mitzvah Project. The details for the entire Bar/Bat/B'nei Mitzvah process are in our comprehensive manual.
The Bar/Bat/B'nei Mitzvah experience is an important milestone for teens and their families but it also can be a cause of stress for anyone. Through our well-organized program and caring staff, our program is designed to address students' needs so that they can achieve their personal potential. If you have any questions, feel free to contact Cantor Kohn.
Background Infromation on Bar/Bat/B'nei Mitzvah:
The translation of Bar/Bat/B'nei is “son/daughter/children of the commandment.”
Jewish law does not require children to follow the commandments, though they are encouraged to do so. At the age of 13 children become obligated to fulfill mitzvot. Bar/Bat/B'nei Mitzvah is not an event, rather it is a change in status. While we may perceive thirteen to be in the midst of childhood, Jewish law allows B’nei Mitzvah to count in a minyan (the minimum number of people necessary for traditional religious practices), to form binding contracts, and to serve as a witness in religious courts.
A young person becomes Bar/Bat/B'nei Mitzvah at their birthday; no ceremony is needed to confer adulthood. The celebration of Bar Mitzvah (a woman first celebrated her Bat Mitzvah in 1922) is fairly recent in Jewish history, dating back only five centuries. To show a community that a young man was now legally an adult, he would be called to recite the blessing before and after the reading of the Torah, a mitzvah and privilege reserved for adults. Over time, the ceremony was expanded to include the reading of the Haftarah, a selection from the book of Prophets. Because certain Hebrew and liturgical skills were required for this, the connection between B'nei Mitzvah and Jewish education arose.
Today it is the educational aspect, rather than reaching the age of majority, which is emphasized. At CBE, B’nei Mitzvah demonstrate their ability to lead services, read Torah, participate in Tikkun Olam ("repair the world" in Hebrew) & social action projects as well as teach their community.
Bar/Bat/B'nei Mitzvah is not the endpoint of Jewish Education. We are all obligated to continue the study of Torah and the fulfillment of righteous deeds throughout our lives. B’nei Mitzvah celebrate their change in status and honor their new responsibility not only on the day of their ceremony but through ongoing commitments to our tradition and community.
Ceremony
During the Friday evening service of your Bar/Bat/B'nei Mitzvah, your child will be invited to light the Shabbat candles and recite the Kiddush/wine blessings. At the Saturday morning service, your child will be leading the congregation in prayer, and culminating in reciting the Torah and Haftarah portions.
We encourage you to use our beautiful temple facilities for your Saturday luncheon or celebration. Contact Kathy Golderman to secure the space.
B'nai Mitzvah Resources
This unique, step-by-step book and compact disc package will lead the novice through each step of learning how to chant Torah. Divided into 13 lessons and additional useful appendices and bibliography, the book allows the reader to ‘self-teach’ the important principles of Torah cantillation. The only pre-requisite for this course of learning is a basic ability to read Hebrew and a willingness to learn! Includes CD of corresponding recordings.
Making it Count: Guidelines for Becoming a Bar/Bat/B'nei Mitzvah
This guide is designed to help you make the most of your Jewish journey. Focusing on the values that are most important in our tradition, you will explore together what commitments you can make to bring these principles to life. Judaism has a lot of special wisdom to offer, but only you can make it real.
Thu, March 30 2023
8 Nisan 5783
Upcoming Events
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Thursday ,
MarMarch 30 , 2023Grief & Loss Support Group
Thursday, Mar 30th 2:00p to 3:00p
Jewish Family Services is offering an in-person weekly support group for anyone who is grieving the death of a family member or friend. -
Friday ,
MarMarch 31 , 2023NO EREV SHABBAT SERVICE AT CBE
Friday, Mar 31st (All day)
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Saturday ,
AprApril 1 , 2023CBE & Me: Passover with Grandparents
Shabbat, Apr 1st 9:00a to 11:00a
Kids ages 0-5 and their grandparents (and all the grownups who love them) are invited to join us for a Shabbat morning program to make your own Seder plates in preparation for Passover! -
Saturday ,
AprApril 1 , 2023Grade 6 & 7 Saturday Morning Shabbat Program
Shabbat, Apr 1st 10:45a to 12:10p
Grade 6 & 7 students are invited and strongly encouraged to join us for a program to reinforce Religious School learning, learn the Bimah choreography, and prepare students for their B’nei Mitzvah. Parents and siblings are invited to attend. -
Saturday ,
AprApril 1 , 2023Bar Mitzvah of Justin Kohn
Shabbat, Apr 1st 10:45a to 12:00p
Join us in person or watch our Live Stream. -
Sunday ,
AprApril 2 , 2023Brotherhood Monthly Meeting
Sunday, Apr 2nd 9:00a to 11:00a
All Brotherhood members are invited to the monthly meeting to discuss upcoming events and programming. This month's meeting will be in person and on Zoom; please reach out to Jay for the link if you wish to attend by Zoom. -
Sunday ,
AprApril 2 , 2023Arba for Fours!
Sunday, Apr 2nd 9:30a to 12:00p
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Sunday ,
AprApril 2 , 20236th Grade Special Holocaust Program
Sunday, Apr 2nd 9:30a to 11:50a
Every student is requested to have a parent accompany them in the Adult Chapel when the 6th grade will have some special speakers to talk about their personal connections to the Holocaust. Raymond Naar will be joining us to share his Holocaust story and some History of the Jewish community of Selonika Greece. Burt Weinberg will join us to share his story and how he brought the Czech Torah to CBE. Steve Squires will tell us about his experience and welcoming the Czech Torah. -
Sunday ,
AprApril 2 , 2023
Sunday, Apr 2nd 9:45a to 11:30a
PARENTS AND STUDENTS Visit the CBE Loudonville Cemetery. We will learn some History of CBE through a cemetery tour, with the expert of experts, Rabbi Shpeen. We will meet Rabbi Shpeen by the Mendleson Chapel at the Loudonville Cemetery. -
Monday ,
AprApril 3 , 2023Strong Foundations - Yoga and Posture with NNORC
Monday, Apr 3rd 2:15p to 3:45p
Contact Jody Ference, NNORC Coordinator of Community Health Programs, for more information Phone: 518-516-1117 jference@jfsneny.org