B’nai Mitzvah–Jewish Rite of Passage

Bar/Bat Mitzvah is a beautiful tradition – a link in the chain from our past to our future, ensuring the continuity of Judaism. As our children learn from many individuals in our Beth El community, Bar/Bat Mitzvah is not only a milestone for the child and his/her family – the community has a stake in this sacred moment. Bar/Bat Mitzvah is part of our traditional Shabbat morning services and includes a seudat mitzvah ( meal of celebration) following services to enable the entire congregation to share in the joyous event.

rosskidushweekbeforebar copy

At Congregation Beth El, our Rabbi, Cantor, Beth El staff and lay leaders participate in Torah Class, a year of learning with our children and their families. Each child and his/her family receive personal guidance by one of Beth El’s learned Gabbais (assistants). Through communal study, experience and a weekend retreat, Torah Class families bond together and the whole community celebrates with them.

It is said that whenever you teach a child a portion of Torah, that child is part yours. Each individual and each family enrich the Beth El community with their joys and celebrations and so too, the community enhances individual simchas and celebrations.

Upcoming Events
Coming from a reform Jewish background with an emphasis on ethics, my understanding of Torah and ritual has been enriched at Beth El. The fact that my grandchildren are more observant than I is a source of great comfort.
— Paul R