TKARS B'nei Mitzvah Experience

At Temple Kol Ami, we understand that all students are not the same. Each has their own strengths and weaknesses, and we attempt to tailor the B’nei Mitzvah program to each student’s particular needs. Some may be self-learners and capable of learning their Torah portion on their own (with a little bit of nudging by the parents to study), while others may need more formal guidance. The small, intimate environment of our Religious School allows us to be flexible and attentive to the individual student. In order to have a successful B’nei Mitzvah, we need both students and parents to be fully invested!

Student Expectations

    • Chant at a minimum three lines of the Torah portion that coincides with the date of the mitzvah

    • Chant the prayer before and after the Torah portion

    • Read (chant) the prayer before and after the HafTorah

    • Lead the following prayers during the service:

      • Mah Tovu

      • Shma

      • V’ahavta

      • Mi Chamocha

      • Avoteinu v’imoteinu

      • Aleinu

      • Adon Olam

    • Present a D’var Torah- an interpretation of their Torah portion and what it means to them

    • Perform a mitzvah project


Family Expectations

    • Provide Kiddush after the mitzvah service (set up and clean up is the responsibility of the family)

    • Aid your student in reading the Torah portion in English and discussing its meaning and/or helping to research the D'var Torah

    • Ensure your student attend all student Shabbat services, and at least 4 Friday night/Saturday morning Shabbat services prior to their own Mitzvah

    • Tallit for a boy (girl optional)

    • $400 fee due prior to the date of the mitzvah, additional donations are always encouraged

Temple Kol Ami Expectations

    • TKA will provide a recording of the Torah portion for the student to study

    • Use of a B'nei Mitzvah coordinator to help guide you through the process

    • Initial evaluation of the student and individualized study plan developed

    • Up to 10 tutoring sessions of approximately 30 minutes, tailored to your child's particular needs (additional sessions will incur a fee of $20 per 30 minute session)

    • Lay service leader (you may contract with a Rabbi on your own if you choose)