Becoming a B'nai Mitzvah

Celebrating the transition from child to adult is a long-standing Jewish tradition. We recognize this special time and foster a space for this growth through our program built uniquely for B’nai Mitzvah-aged students and their families. At Temple Micah, there are five main educational components to our B’nai Mitzvah program:

1. Individual Meetings with Rabbi Mo – Approximately four months prior to the B’nai Mitzvah, your student will meet privately with Rabbi Mo for additional one-on-one guidance and tutelage.
2. Community Meetings with Rabbi Mo – As a group, the B’nai Mitzvah families (parents and students) will meet with Rabbi Mo to discuss what responsibilities they will take ownership of as they prepare to become a B’nai Mitzvah.
3. Group Learning – Students must be actively enrolled in either the Religious School OR the Mishpacha! program (Mishpacha! is on hiatus for the 2023-24 school year), demonstrating your commitment to Temple Micah and the community.
4. Hebrew – In 7th grade, approximately 9 months prior to your student’s B’nai Mitzvah, they will start private tutoring to master the service liturgy and Hebrew phrases that are part of their big day.
5. Tzedakah Project – Students will engage in 18 hours of volunteer work. The Tzedakah Project is intentionally completed adjacent to B’nai Mitzvah studies as part of the essential understanding that part of being Jewish is contributing to a more just, equitable and better world.

The B’nai Mitzvah families also present Temple Micah with an annual class gift. In years past, this gift has been new prayer books, a yad, something for the sanctuary, etc. Please be prepared to contribute to the class gift fund.