Bar/Bat Mitzvah Timeline

It all begins with Jewish learning in our Youth Education program or Jewish day school. The time spent with teachers and Jewish peers, learning Jewish history, Hebrew language and religious practice, is what enables our students to succeed in their B'Mitzvah studies.  

Currently, Many of these meetings happen on Zoom or Facetime. Some are still in person, but we understand that virtual meetings can be just as effective, in addition to simplifying life for families.

    14 months out:    Meeting the Cantor - At this meeting Cantor Ellerin will get to know your family and assess student’s Hebrew skills. In addition, each student will receive a binder with his or her Torah and Haftarah portions, along with a copy of the Shabbat service.

    12 months out:    Private Tutoring with Cantor Sacks - Over the course of private, 30 minute lessons, students become proficient in their B'Mitzvah studies. Lessons begin with the prayers for Shabbat. Once students have successfully learned the service, they prepare their own Torah and Haftarah portions.

    4-5 months out:    Family Meeting with a Rabbi - The family meeting serves as an opportunity for the family to become acquainted with the officiating Rabbi. During this meeting, the Rabbi will prepare the family to help the student write his/her D’var Torah, a sermon on their Torah portion.

    3 and 6 months out:    Progress Meetings
        Two Progress Meetings will be scheduled with Cantor Ellerin to evaluate the child’s progress and to continue to form a relationship with the student.  

    3-5 months out:    D’var Torah Meetings - Student
        The rabbi will meet with the student to prepare his/her D’var Torah.

    Rehearsals:
        2 weeks out: 1st rehearsal in person - student
        1 week out: 2nd rehearsal in person - parents and student
        Friday morning before: 3rd rehearsal - student on Zoom (parents welcome)