Bar/Bat Mitzvah is a Jewish rite of passage – a way to mark our children’s formal recognition as young adults in the Jewish community. Our Beth Am community comes together to honor our students as they reach this milestone on the road to maturity, and with great joy we welcome them as young adult members of the congregation. The words Bar/Bat Mitzvah mean “one who is responsible for religious obligations (mitzvot).” Hence, Jewish adulthood is attained by accepting the responsibilities and obligations of living as a Jew.  We know that preparing for Bar/Bat Mitzvah can be an intense and emotional time for families. Please know that we are here to help! Our lay and professional leaders look forward to welcoming your child into Jewish adulthood on this very special day.

Bar/Bat Mitzvah Policy for the 2008-09 Academic Year

Bar/Bat Mitzvah Requirements

Instructions for Completing Honors Form

Form for listing the honors when your child becomes Bar/Bat Mitzvah

Torah Blessings - Text and Instructions

The following two files are in mp3 format, and should be playable in any media player. If you're having difficulty, you can download Quicktime.

• Blessing for Before Reading from the Torah - (Audio)
• Blessing for After Reading from the Torah - (Audio)

Terminology
Bar/Bat Mitzvah is a status that is attained at the age of 13; it is not something that is done to a person. That is, a young person becomes Bar/Bat Mitzvah; s/he is not “Bar/Bat Mitzvahed.” The plural of Bar Mitzvah (used for two boys, or a boy and girl) is “B’nai Mitzvah.” The feminine plural (used for two girls) is “B’not Mitzvah.”

For eligibility questions, contact Cantor Lauren Bandman or call (650) 493-4661.