Informational packet for the bnai mitzvah year

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JFC Religious School 2015-16 Grade 6 Student-Parent Meeting Informational Packet for the B’nai Mitzvah Year

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Jewish Family Congregation Religious School Grade 6 Student - Parent Complete Informational Packet for the B'nai Mitzvah Year

Transcript of Informational packet for the bnai mitzvah year

Page 1: Informational packet for the bnai mitzvah year

JFC Religious School

2015-16

Grade 6 Student-Parent

Meeting

Informational Packet

for the

B’nai Mitzvah Year

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JEWISH FAMILY CONGREGATION

B’nai Mitzvah Process Overview

Mazal tov on your child’s upcoming bar/bat mitzvah ceremony! As you know, becoming a bar/bat mitzvah is a process, one that takes place over a period of time and culminates with the ceremony of being called to the Torah publicly during Shabbat and holiday services. Their ceremony is not the end of their Jewish education, however. Below is a brief overview of the typical schedule of meetings with Rabbi Burstein and Rabbi Reiner as the special day approaches, and what is expected after the date of their ceremony. Of course, we realize that there may be special concerns and circumstances in each family, so please feel free to be in touch with Rabbi Burstein, Rabbi Reiner, or Leslie Gottlieb if you have anything to share with us. Thank you. •About 5 months prior to Bar/Bat mitzvah ceremony Please send an e-mail to Rabbi Reiner to schedule a meeting. At that meeting, he will speak about your mitzvah projects, Jewish books you have read, and read through your Haftarah portion. •About 12-14 weeks prior to Bar/Bat mitzvah ceremony Please send an e-mail to Rabbi Burstein to set up a time for your child to meet with him. This meeting is a chance for your child and Rabbi Burstein to get to know each other a little better. Parents are welcome to attend (if they let their child do most of the speaking!). Rabbi Burstein will go over the expectations of the written D’var Torah section for the ceremony. This is the bar/bat mitzvah’s speech. At this meeting, the next meeting will be scheduled. Please bring all materials to this meeting. Additionally, a Bar/Bat mitzvah student is invited and expected to attend two Thursday evening Confirmation classes, from 6-7:15 pm. This is a great way for your child to see how learning continues after their ceremony in a fun, interactive, and meaningful way. Please notify Rabbi Burstein when your child will join the Confirmation class. •About 8-9 weeks prior to Bar/Bat mitzvah ceremony After sending in a draft to Rabbi Burstein in advance of this meeting, he and the student will discuss it together. •About 5-6 weeks prior to Bar/Bat mitzvah ceremony After sending the final draft to Rabbi Burstein in advance, they will go over it together. •About 4 weeks prior to Bar/Bat mitzvah ceremony Parent(s) complete the B’nai Mitzvah Questionnaire online, which includes honors to be decided for the day of the ceremony.

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•About 2 weeks prior to Bar/Bat mitzvah ceremony Parent(s) meet with Rabbi Burstein to go over ceremony details. This is also a chance for Rabbi Burstein to learn more about the entire family. Your child is not present for this meeting. •Thursday before Bar/Bat mitzvah ceremony Final rehearsal with Rabbi at 4 pm (promptly, because of Religious School services). Bar/bat mitzvah and family may dress up to have pictures taken with Torah scroll. •Friday before Bar/Bat mitzvah ceremony Family attends Shabbat evening services Bar/Bat mitzvah helps lead Chatzi Kaddish Bar/Bat mitzvah leads Kiddush •Day of Bar/Bat mitzvah ceremony – Arrive 30 minutes before service and enjoy! •After Bar/Bat mitzvah ceremony We expect that your child will attend classes with their peers after their ceremony, whether or not their ceremony occurs in 7th grade or 8th grade. •Confirmation Class The Rabbis will run Confirmation Class (I & II) for students in grades 8 and 9 on Thursday evenings, 6:15-7:15 pm. Confirmation I & II students are invited each week for pizza from 5:30-6:15 pm. In addition to class discussions, trips of Jewish interest are planned. •Post-Confirmation Class- Grades 10-12 Students in grades 10-12 continue to learn with the Rabbi once each month, with classes tailored toward the students’ interests. These classes take place 6-7:15 pm on Tuesday evenings and include pizza. Additionally, there is the possibility to travel to local places of Jewish interest, as well as Washington, DC, for the Religious Action Center’s L’taken Lobbying Conference for high school students. Also… Contributions may be made in honor of your child’s Bar/Bat Mitzvah to the Rabbi’s Discretionary Fund, the Cantor’s Discretionary Fund or any other temple fund of your choice. Whom Do We Invite to the Service/Ceremony? This topic will be discussed at the spring annual meeting of 6th Graders and their parents.

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Shabbat Attendance Requirements

For Grade 7 Religious School Students

2015-2016/5775-5776

Attendance required at:

8 Congregation Friday Shabbat Services

4 Congregation Morning Shabbat Services

*Students attending Shabbat morning services, especially for a Bar/Bat Mitzvah service, should

bear in mind synagogue-appropriate dress code.

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B’nai Mitzvah Guidelines- Spring Meeting- Important Information

Shabbat morning services with a Bar/Bat Mitzvah begin at 10:30 am and end at approximately 12:15

pm. Shabbat afternoon services with a Bar/Bat Mitzvah begin at 5:00 pm and end at approximately 6:30

pm.

When does my child attend Religious School in the fall?

Sundays- 10:15 am-12:00 pm

Wednesdays- 4:15-6:00 pm (class and grade 7 instructional service/parents welcome to attend)

24 half hour private tutorial sessions for Torah and Haftarah chanting (verse selection due by July 1 of

this Grade 6 school year). Individual Torah booklets will be given/mailed to each student for review.

Tutors are assigned and this information will be sent to you after the Grade 6 spring meeting. Time slots

are arranged with the tutors in advance. Sessions are charged against the overall number offered if a

student does not show up without ample notice provided. Please keep this in mind as tutors arrive at

school just for this purpose for individual student meeting times.

Review of Requirements-

Students must attend 4 Saturday morning Shabbat services (a Bar/Bat Mitzvah—not their own) plus 8

Friday evening Shabbat services. The sign-in register will help students keep track of their commitment.

Parents in the class are required to help supervise one Bar/Bat Mitzvah Shabbat service for another

student in the class-- and help with two Friday evening Ongei Shabbat. These forms will be completed

with your input and forwarded to you shortly.

Confirmation I (Grade 8) - Grade 7 students are required to attend 2 of these classes before their Bar/Bat

Mitzvah ceremony. Check with the Rabbi before attending the class.

Students are invited to attend Youth Group meetings (grades 8-12) to sample the program on Thursday

evenings (7:15-8:15 pm) from April to the end of the school year.

Mitzvah Projects & Reading-

Mitzvah Projects:

Students will participate in two class projects (the High Holy Day Food Drive in the fall and the Purim

Carnival. For both events we ask for support from parents, especially the Carnival). Students will also

complete two individual mitzvah projects that the student will design and participate in during the grade

7 year.

Books: Students will read two Jewish books and be ready to discuss their important/relevance

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B’nai Mitzvah Student ____________________________________ Class of ______________ Date this form is being submitted: ___________________

Individual Student Mitzvah Activities (2)

Deadline for submissions: September 30 Individual mitzvah project description and event dates (minimum of two events required): (Please do NOT include the HHD Food Drive or the Purim Carnival which are grade 7 cooperative activities.)

________________________________________________________________ Parent Signature____________________________________ School Director Signature_____________________________

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JEWISH FAMILY CONGREGATION

D’var Torah Overview Rabbi Marcus Burstein

Our Rabbis taught: Studying Torah is like entering an orchard, a PaRDeS.

First, read your parasha to understand the . . .

P’shat – the plain meaning of your text.

Part 1: Write two simple paragraphs, one summarizing the entire portion and one summarizing the verses you will be chanting in your own words. Tell us why you chose the verses you chose to chant.

Then you look for the . . .

Remez – the clue in the text that will help you formulate a D’var Torah . . .

Part 2: Find a teaching or commentary from a famous Jewish scholar. Share that teaching and then tell us why you chose it and why you agree or disagree with it. Teachings can be found in your Torah portion book or on the internet.

Now you’re ready to write your. . .

D’rash – an exploration and explanation of the meaning of the text, both for you and us.

Part 3: Write your own d’rash (explanation) focusing on one part of your parasha. This is a continuation of the previous assignment.

Finally it’s time for the . . .

Sod – the personal (secret) meaning of becoming Bar/Bat Mitzvah.

Part 4: 1) What does becoming Bar/Bat Mitzvah mean to YOU? 2) What have you learned about becoming Bar/Bat Mitzvah from studying your

parasha? How does the experience connect to your Torah portion? 3) Tell us about your mitzvah project(s), and how/if they connect to your Torah

portion. 4) Is there something meaningful that you would like to share from a recent

Jewish book you read? If so, tell us about it. 5) BRIEF thank-you section to conclude (150 words maximum). 6) End your D’var Torah with “Shabbat Shalom.”

The entire D’var Torah should be less than 1000 words.

Send all drafts to the Rabbi one week before your scheduled appointment to discuss the draft.

Drafts should be typed and double-spaced.

Before you send each week’s assignment, please make sure that all spelling and grammar are correct, and that your thoughts are presented clearly. Your parents, older relatives, or English teacher may be

able to help you with this. Remember: writing should be in present tense, do not use contractions, and make sure you include the

name, book, chapter and verses. Save your work on your computer.

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B’nai Mitzvah Tutoring/Aliyot/Honoring Relatives Possible “honors” to be offered to relatives at a Bar/Bat Mitzvah Service: an English or Hebrew reading, to lift/dress Torah scroll, opening of the ark, etc. Parents may offer a blessing to their child at the service, but do not offer speeches at the time of the service. The tutors are very much looking forward to working with you and helping you learn your Torah and Haftarah portions. There are some important points we’d like to share with you:

Torah chanting cannot be successfully “crammed” or done for long stretches at a time. The best way to study is by practicing 15 minutes/day, 5 times during the week in addition to the session with the tutor. Students who try to limit their practice to twice per week have a significantly harder time learning their portions and feel stressed. We realize that you have very busy lives and know from experience how important daily study is. Time and time again students note with amazement how much easier it becomes when they study for a short time almost daily. They fit it into their schedule and it becomes a habit.

You choose the number of verses chanted based on your Hebrew and singing ability. The important thing is to chant enough to challenge you, but not so much that it becomes overwhelming. The minimum number of verses to be chanted is 10, and students have chanted as many as 26 verses. After assessing each student’s Hebrew and singing ability, the appropriate number of verses will be chosen.

Each aliyah has a minimum of 3 verses. So, for example, if you want 5 aliyot you’ll need a minimum of 15 verses.

You should choose a section that interests you, since you will be studying and presenting your analysis of this section at your Bar/Bat Mitzvah ceremony.

Each aliyah should begin and end at a logical place. Read the English to determine this.

You will choose your section of the Torah portion in consultation with Rabbi Burstein or Rabbi Reiner.

Once you’ve chosen your section of the Torah portion, let your tutor know the verses and they will prepare a recording for you. The recording needs to happen in advance of your first tutoring session.

You don’t choose your Haftarah verses; the tutor will choose them based on the connection between it and your Torah portion.

There are no Haftarah portions for afternoon Shabbat services.

Learning your Torah and Haftarah selection is a stimulating experience. You will find it interesting, and you will be very proud of yourself when it is done. We are excited to have the opportunity to work with you towards this goal. Thank you.

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Frequently asked Questions

Shabbat morning services with a Bar/Bat Mitzvah ceremony usually

last from 10:30 am-12:15 pm. Shabbat afternoon services with a

Bar/Bat Mitzvah ceremony begin at 5:00 pm and conclude around

6:30 pm.

How do I rent the building?

If you make the decision to rent the “Pavilion” or the Oneg Room for catering following the Bar/Bat

Mitzvah, please call the Temple office to confirm availability of the date. In case there are two requests

for the same date, the first signed rental agreement received will be honored. To ensure the availability

of the Temple facilities for your event. It is advisable to do so with your date request form.

For Bar/Bat Mitzvah in 2015 and 2016, we are offering a special “Kiddush Luncheon” option for families

with a morning Bar/Bat Mitzvah ceremony. Your family can host a Shabbat Kiddush Luncheon on

Saturday, open to the congregation and your guests, at a significantly reduced cost. We hope that this

will strengthen the sense of community in our congregation and help make becoming Bar/Bat Mitzvah

more of a communal experience.

What about the Oneg Shabbat on Friday Evening?

The Bar/Bat Mitzvah families will be responsible for sponsoring the Oneg Shabbat on the Friday night

prior to the Bar/Bat Mitzvah. This Oneg Shabbat must be provided for all those attending the service.

What about flowers?

No live flowers are permitted due to allergies. The Temple provides silk flowers around the bimah. You

may want to create an alternative decorative arrangement for the bimah: a basket of food or other

items that will be donated to a local charity following the service.

May photographs be taken during the ceremony?

Photography and videography by professionals is permitted during the service with the use of a

stationary camera or recorder positioned at the rear of the sanctuary. Flash is not permitted. You will be

able to access the building and sanctuary prior to services to take photos. You are welcome to take

pictures outside the building at any time; it would be helpful to notify the office staff for security

purposes.

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When do services begin?

Saturday morning worship begins at 10:30 am and lasts approximately 1.5 hours. Shabbat afternoon

worship begins at 5:00 pm and lasts approximately 1.5 hours.

Should those participating in the Service wear a yarmulke/kippah and/or a tallit?

The minhag (custom) at Temple Shearith Israel is for all men and women called to the Torah to wear a

yarmulke/kippah and a tallit. We have an assortment of kippot available for your guests to use, and

many families choose to order and provide their own.

Is there a specific dress code for the services?

In respect for the sanctity of the synagogue, it is expected that the Bar/Bat mitzvah, their families and all

guests dress appropriately. Girls are required to have their shoulders covered. Boys usually wear a jacket

and tie.

Is piano accompaniment available for the service?

Piano accompaniment is available for an extra fee of $180. Please contact Cantor Katchko-Gray to

arrange for this as soon as possible.

Are member of the Adult Choir available for the service?

The Adult Choir is available to help enhance your simcha for a donation to the Cantor’s Discretionary

Fund of $180 to help support future musical programs. The number of members who can attend vary

during the year, but even a few singers add harmony and ruach to the service. Please contact Cantor

Katchko-Gray to request the choir.

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Dear Sixth Graders and Parents: Please complete and return the bottom section to the Religious School to inform us of the Torah verses you have selected to read/chant at your Bar/Bat Mitzvah service. Call to arrange an appointment with Rabbi Burstein, as soon as possible, if you need assistance in this matter. We need to receive your selection by July 1. This early deadline allows Rabbi Burstein to review your selection and provides our B’nai Mitzvah tutors time to prepare the necessary recordings. Keep the following guidelines in mind as you consider your portion:

1. Please read the entire Torah portion in English. The section you choose is the section on which your speech will focus-- so it should be of interest to you.

2. Your selection should make sense independent of the verses that surround it; avoid starting or ending in the middle of a story or a thought.

3. The length of the reading will determine how many aliyot you will have (one aliyah per three Torah verses).

4. The number of aliyot you plan should be determined by your Hebrew reading ability and the number of family members or friends you wish to honor; your child’s Hebrew teacher and/or his/her tutor can make a recommendation that will assist you here.

5. Each Bar/Bat Mitzvah will read or chant a minimum of 10 verses. Please do not hesitate to call if you have any questions. Yours truly, Leslie Gottlieb, Director

Remit entire section below

Student/ Class of: __________ (year) Student Name________________________________ Bar/Bat Mitzvah Date: ___/___/___ Torah Booklet (parashah): ___________________________________ (eg.- Va’era/ Exodus/ Chapter 6: 2(verse 2) through Chapter 9: 35 (verse 35) Your Selection: Chapter_________Verse______ through Chapter________ Verse_____ Comments/Questions_________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Religious School Use Rec’d: ____/____ /____ Rabbi review: ____/____/___ ok/revisit

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B’nai Mitzvah Student Attendance Register

Friday Evening & Saturday Morning Bar/Bat Mitzvah Services

B’nai Mitzvah Student Name: ___________________________________________________

JFC Class of: 20__ __ (English Date) Hebrew Year: 57__ __

B’nai Mitzvah Requirements:

Students are required to attend 8 Friday night Shabbat services at our synagogue and 4 Saturday

morning Shabbat services here or at another synagogue. Please complete this form as you attend

these Friday evening and Saturday morning services and submit it to the religious school director or the

rabbis at least one week prior to your own service.

Friday Evening Dates & Location s Saturday Morning Dates & Locations

1 1

2 2

3 3

4 4

5

6

7

8 8

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B’nai Mitzvah Form

To Be Completed When Visiting Another Synagogue

(for a Bar/Bat Mitzvah Service) We are very glad that you are able to participate in a Bar/Bat mitzvah service away from our synagogue. As you know, each congregation has different customs and traditions. Please take time to look at this form before Shabbat services begin so that you can look for ways to compare and contrast their service with ours. Enjoy the service, and please return to the rabbis afterward!

Name of congregation: ______________________________________________________________

City, State: ______________________________________________________________

What type of congregation is it? ______________________________________________________________

How could you tell it was this type of congregation?

______________________________________________________________

What prayer book did you use during the service? ______________________________________________________________

Name of the Rabbi: ______________________________________________________________

Did the Rabbi wear a kippah, tallit, and/or robe? ______________________________________________________________

What was the Torah portion? ______________________________________________________________

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B’nai Mitzvah Form

To Be Completed When Visiting Another Synagogue

(for a Bar/Bat Mitzvah Service) continued

How many verses of Torah did the Bar/Bat Mitzvah read or chant? ______________________________________________________________

How many verses of Haftarah did the Bar/Bat Mitzvah read or chant? _______________________________________________________________

How many Torah aliyot were there? _________________________________________________

What other part(s) did s/he have in the service?

_______________________________________________________________

Did the Bar/Bat Mitzvah give a speech? ______ If so, what was it about? _______________________________________________________________

Did the Bar/Bat Mitzvah wear a kippah or a tallit? _______________________________________________________________

Did the Rabbi give a sermon? _______ If so, what was it about?

_________________________________________________________________________

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