At TSTI we mark the passage from childhood towards adulthood with the ceremony of Bar or Bat Mitzvah - the son or daughter of the Commandments - in which our students publicly accept their religious responsibilities.
Becoming a Bar or Bat Mitzvah is not a goal or end in itself. Rather, it represents beginnings, first steps on the lifelong path of adult Jewish learning and commitment. The celebration lasts for a few hours; the commitment is forever. One remains a Bar or Bat Mitzvah throughout one's entire life. It is not simply a religious ritual or a big birthday party. It is a transitional event in the life of the whole family including the child, parents, grandparents and siblings.
This is an extraordinary time for the student and his or her family, and we are thrilled to be a partner in this journey. We take great pride in making this a warm, joyful and meaningful experience. We are especially proud of the fact that through the process of becoming a Bar or Bat Mitzvah our students form their own meaningful, lasting relationships with each member of our clergy team.
These relationships allow us to make each experience very personal and to build a strong foundation for continued Jewish learning here at TSTI and beyond.
Learning to read, write and speak Hebrew in our Religious School is just a part of our B’nai Mitzvah program. Students receive individualized tutoring so that they will be prepared to lead their assigned prayers and read their Torah and Haftarah portions with confidence. They also participate in a mitzvah project of their choosing, allowing them to apply the Jewish value of helping make our world a better place. Through this process of learning and involvement, we strive to have all students feel a profound sense of accomplishment and develop a positive Jewish self-image that they will keep with them throughout their lives.
We take pride in our attention to individual needs. Great care is taken in assigning partners and dates so that each student may shine in his or her own way. We are sensitive to the fact that every student learns differently, and we are committed to helping each B’nai Mitzvah student achieve his or her very best. The Bar or Bat Mitzvah experience at TSTI is unique. Most families will agree that the emotions felt during this time are profound and even unexpected. We are confident that you and your family will feel unforgettable pride and joy as well as renewed connection to our shared Jewish history and values.
Please click here for Blessings before and after reading Torah
Please click here for Alternative Prayers for non-Jewish Family Members
