B'nai Mitzvah FAQs
B'nai Mitzvah FAQs
What does the Bar/Bat Mitzvah process look like at Beth Or?
We start the planning timeline for your child’s journey in January of 4th grade when you receive your date. From there, we have created multiple events and points of contact within the religious school framework in 4th, 5th & 6th grade that will help prepare your child. Generally, one year out, your teaching sessions with our B'nai Mitzvah educators and clergy will lead up to a meaningful and memorable event.
What do my Bar/Bat Mitzvah fees pay for?
The fee for Bar/Bat Mitzvah is $1500. The fee is divided into three payments, paid in three installments when your child is in 4th, 5th and 6th grades. The fee covers all training, the streaming of the service as well as sponsorship for the Oneg on the Friday night before your child becomes a Bar/Bat Mitzvah and the bimah flowers for that weekend. All children and their families are honored in the Order of Service and Spotlight for the flower and Oneg sponsorships.
What is a Mitzvah Project?
Tikkun Olam is an important value of Jewish life. Therefore, we require all of our students to make a difference in the world through volunteer work and/or fundraising for a cause that they are passionate about. In the spring of 5th grade, through a Mitzvah Project Fair, your child will be exposed to various Mitzvah projects from our previous students. You will explore your options and discuss this process with Rabbi Lefkowitz during your meeting with her. You will be contacted by Ellen Wichterman when it is time to set up this meeting.
What is ushering?
As you enter the synagogue before Friday night or Saturday morning services, you are warmly greeted by members of the Beth Or community, otherwise known as “ushers.” As part of your requirements, we ask that all B’nai Mitzvah families usher the weekend prior to their B'nai Mitzvah. We encourage your child to watch the service closely so that they become even more familiar with the "choreography" of the service. An email will be sent to inform you about this date and explain the process. Barbara Murtha coordinates the usher schedule.
What are the options for renting space at Beth Or for my celebration?
Beth Or is a beautiful synagogue and the perfect place to host various events during your Bar/Bat Mitzvah weekend. Options include: Friday night Shabbat family dinner, Saturday morning extended Kiddush or luncheon or dinner celebration. For information, please contact Jillian Peskin, 215-646-5806.
How do I schedule my Bimah photography?
Since there are no photos or videos allowed during services (including cell phones), you have the opportunity to “pre”-enact your child’s Bar/Bat Mitzvah prior to your date. Most people choose to do this the week before your big day. There are set days and times that the Bimah is available, as well as the clergy, if you are interested in including them in your pictures. Contact Jillian Peskin to schedule time on the Bimah, and Barbara Murtha to coordinate clergy for your photography session.
Things to consider when scheduling your photography time slot …
- Do you want clergy in your pictures?
- Will you be including extended family?
- Will you be getting hair and makeup done?
- Do you want to take photos outside?
Please review our photography guidelines with your photographer.
What is the appropriate attire to wear on the Bimah?
Clothing chosen for any person coming up to the Bimah, for either an aliyah or to have a pulpit honor, must be in keeping with the sacred space that our Sanctuary demands. We ask that all women have their shoulders covered and that clothing is modest. The Rabbis request that those coming up for an aliyah wear a tallit and kippah.
What is the schedule for the B’nai Mitzvah weekend?
There will be a dress rehearsal scheduled by Cantor Murley on Friday morning. The family celebrates the upcoming Mitzvah by lighting the Shabbat candles on the Bimah and concludes service with Kiddush and Motzi.
Tue, September 10 2024
7 Elul 5784
Upcoming Events
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Friday ,
SepSeptember 13 , 2024Shabbat Worship honoring our local First Responders with Cantor Green and Guest Speaker Rev. Rodney Roehner
Friday, Sep 13th 7:30p
During this special Shabbat Worship service, we will honor all of our local first responders. Cantor Green is joining us on the bimah, and Rev. Rodney Roehner from St. Matthew's Episcopal Church who has joined us for services once a month since last Oct 7, will give the sermon, Click for more details. -
Friday ,
SepSeptember 13 , 2024Art Gallery Exhibit Opening: Featured Artist - Ilya Lerner
Friday, Sep 13th 8:45p
Join us in the Spain Lobby for an oneg following Shabbat Worship and stop by the Olitzky Art Gallery to see the work of our newest artist, Ilya Lerner. The exhibit continues through 11/6. -
Saturday ,
SepSeptember 14 , 2024Shabbat Worship and Bat Mitzvah of Maya Dortheimer
Shabbat, Sep 14th 11:00a
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Sunday ,
SepSeptember 15 , 2024High Holy Days Food Drive
Sunday, Sep 15th (All day)
We are collecting non-perishable canned and boxed food for Bethlehem Baptist Church Food Pantry and Mattie Dixon Food Pantry. Drop off in the marked bin in the main entrance vestibule, 9/15 - 9/29. Chairs: Susy Krimker, susykrimker@gmail.com and Margie Chachkin, chachkin@aol.com -
Sunday ,
SepSeptember 15 , 2024
Sunday, Sep 15th 10:00a to 11:00a
Are you from the Bucks County area and looking to meet other local families? Stop by the Shmear Cafe for coffee and schmoozing after Sunday School drop off. Click for details.