Shtiebel Bnei Mitzvah Roadmap:

There are three main areas of preparation for a Shtiebel bar or bat mitzvah:

  • Creation of D'var Torah.
  • Preparing to co-lead the service and read Torah.
  • Designing and carrying out a mitzvah project. 

All three of these aspects of the B’nai Mitzvah experience should be started at least six months before the Bar/Bat Mitzvah date (to be chosen in conjunction with the rabbi).

I.CREATION OF D’VAR TORAH

 Schedule meetings (4-6) with Rabbi to study together.

 Read through English translation of entire Parashah(Torah portion)

 Create written summary of Parashah

 Read through summaries of commentaries on Parashah

 Read Midrashim (interpretive stories) related to Parashah

 Following discussions with Rabbi, create outline of D’var Torah

 Following further discussion with Rabbi, create draft of D’var Torah

 Final D’var Torah should include (a) summary of Parashah; (b) summary of some commentaries of learned Jewish thinkers; (c) related Midrashim; (d) interpretation of the Bar/Bat Mitzvah; and (e) how the Parashah/interpretations affect the Bar/Bat Mitzvah personally

 

II.PREPARE TO LEAD SHABBAT MORNING SERVICE and READ TORAH

 Hire a tutor. Rabbi Ben will consult with the tutor to provide a clear learning plan including the specific Torah readings and prayers that the bnei mitzvah will learn.

In conjunction with the tutor and rabbi, the bnei mitzvah will:  

 Read through English translation of the weekly Parashah(portion) and then choose a section that is most meaningful to the Bar/Bat Mitzvah.  These are the lines that the Bar/Bat Mitzvah will learn and chant at the service.  

 Learn and review their Torah reading. 

 Review and learn prayers for co-leading the service

Create a personalized siddur that will be used at the service. 

 

III.DESIGN AND CARRY OUT A MITZVAH PROJECT

                  Bnei Mitzvah will work with Rabbi Ben and parents to: 

 Create a Mitzvah Project to be carried out by the time of Bar/Bat Mitzvah 

 Mitzvah Project doesn’t need to be huge; it can encompass almost anything – making something, teaching something, raising money for a cause, etc. Consult Mitzvah Project Idea Book (ask B’nai Mitzvah Coordinator) for ideas.

 Make sure that the project truly reflects the interests and priorities of the Bar/Bat Mitzvah