Becoming B'nei Mitzvah: The Journey Toward Adulthood at Temple Judea

The B'nei Mitzvah is one of the main rituals for teens that asks them to engage with their Jewish identity. Traditionally, we learn that every Jew automatically becomes legally responsible for ethical actions and mitzvot when they turn thirteen. Today, the ritual of B'nei Mitzvah acknowledges this responsibility and honors the young person on the cusp of teenagerhood. 

The Temple Judea B'nei Mitzvah program creatively fosters community while preparing and training students to lead a Shabbat service. We believe that the B'nei Mitzvah is not just a 'test' that a student passes. They don’t 'just' read from the Torah, or recite prayers. The B'nei Mitzvah is the culmination of years of study, of participating in their Jewish community. It is the first time that a young person stands up and claims their spot as a member of their Temple Judea family. During the service, we gather their desired community together to witness their success and celebrate that teen's identity at a crucial moment of their personal and Jewish formation.

Preparation for B'nei Mitzvah
The world stands upon three pillars: Torah, prayer, and acts of lovingkindness. (Pirkei Avot, Ethics of the Ancestors, 1:2). Temple Judea's B'nei Mitzvah program students will engage with all three pillars: Torah (teaching & learning), Avodah (service learning & chanting), G'milut Chasadim (community service). Each student will fulfill foundational requirements for each pillar. Students and their families will also consult with clergy about 18 months before the ceremony choose a training path that will involve additional requirements that reflect each student's interests, family expectations, and student achievement. This path is open to change, and there are many ways for a student to demonstrate their readiness to be recognized as a B'nei Mitzvah by their Temple Judea community. We look forward to exploring the options with your family.

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Policies & Registration
The B'nei Mitzvah process is an exciting journey, and Temple Judea's clergy and staff are here to help guide you through the process -- from who is eligible to selecting a date, how to register, and setting expectations. Our Policies & Registration page includes resources to help you understand the timeline and prepare for this joyous lifecycle moment.

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FAQ & Resources
Our FAQ & Resources page has answers to "Frequently Asked Questions", preparation materials, information about what to bring and an timeline overview of the B'nei Mitzvah process.

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Beit Midrash Class
As part of their B'nei Mitzvah preparation, your child will demonstrate knowledge of Torah learning & teaching, Avodah (Prayer), and G'milut Chasadim (Acts of Lovingkindness). B'nei Mitzvah students will learn to meet the benchmarks for Avodah / prayer through TJ's Beit Midrash classes -- a unique educational opportunity for students who are one year away from their special day. Beit Midrash means “House of Study.” It refers to a method of learning in which students come together to learn both as a community, and independently, in a beautiful and uniquely Jewish kind of way. The class meets as a “drop in” session every week and is conducted by expert educators, members of the clergy, and Madrichim (counselors).

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Prayer Music
As part of the B'nei Mizvah process, students will learn to chant prayers for the Shabbat service. Our Prayer Music page includes recordings of the prayers that make up the service, as well as printouts of some of the Torah prayers.

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Planning your Reception
Temple Judea’s beautiful facility is the perfect setting to celebrate your B'nei Mitzvah. Many Temple Judea members choose to stay on campus after their service for their celebration. Our exclusive caterer, Scott Roeb Catering and Events, is here to make you celebration special and meaningful. With over 20 years of experience, Scott and his team bring forth extraordinary guest experiences with no detail left untouched.

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TEMPLE JUDEA'S B'NEI MITZVAH PROGRAM GOALS!

We want to empower students to engage their Jewish identity by meeting them where they are with respect to area(s) of Jewish interest, personal passions, and differences in learning needs.

We want each student to feel appropriately challenged on their way to accomplishing an important Jewish milestone.

We want students to connect into an ancient chain of tradition while creating a structure that meets 21st century needs and limitations.

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