Bar/Bat Mitzvah Seminar Schedule

B'NAI MITZVAH FAMILY SEMINAR 2009-2010 CALENDAR AND SCHEDULE

This program is for ALL Temple Emanuel families with current 6^th graders.

PLEASE NOTE:

On Shabbat morning, Saturday, November 14, each Pre-B'nai Mitzvah (6^th grade) child will be called up during Shabbat services (around 10:20 a.m.) to receive a personalized copy of the book 'For Kids: Putting God on the Guest List' as you begin this year of study and preparation. This book serves as a text for our B'nai Mitzvah Seminar.

This book is given out on Shabbat morning:

to strongly encourage your entire family to continue or begin attending Shabbat morning services on a regular basis during this year in our main service in the Rabbi Samuel Chiel Sanctuary where your child will celebrate his/her Bar/t Mitzvah. By attending services we hope you will develop a comfort level and knowledge of the Shabbat service. Shabbat morning services begin at 9:30 a.m. and conclude around 12 noon and are followed by a congregational kiddush.

so that our entire congregation may wish you and your family a mazal tov as all of our 6^th graders begin preparations for this special time in their Jewish lives.

We look forward to seeing you at Shabbat services on November 14!

KICK-OFF DATE: SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 15!

ON SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 15 FROM 5-7:30 P.M. we are holding our kick-off program: The Why and How of Becoming a Bar/Bat Mitzvah. ALL Temple Emanuel Pre-B'nai Mitzvah families will join together for this program and light dinner. We'll get to know each other, learn and discuss with our rabbis the whys and how of bar/t mitzvah, get measured for tefillin, receive the Bar/t Mitzvah Handbook and more! Be sure to attend as we begin this year of preparation together as a community.

B'NAI MITZVAH SEMINAR - 4 SESSIONS

All Seminar sessions will BEGIN PROMPTLY

Session #1: Sunday morning, February 7, 2010 9:00 - 10:15 a.m.

Focus: EXPLORING THE TRADITIONS OF TALLIT AND TEFILLIN

** WE WILL PROVIDE A BUS FROM TEMPLE EMANUEL BACK TO MAKOR.

Please bring tallit and tefillin with you for both adults and students if you have these ritual items. Tallitot and some tefillin will be available for those who may need. All present will be taught how to put on both tefillin and tallit so don't worry if it's been awhile since you have or if you have never worn these ritual items. First we will begin learning how to put on tefillin and then we will learn how and why to use this ritual object during an 'abbreviated' learners' shacharit service. We'll meet in the Gann Chapel.

Note: We make a group tefillin purchase for all those who need to order (see separate form with this flier.) If you choose to purchase your tefillin separately, you may purchase tallit & tefillin in the Lang Judaica Shop here at Temple Emanuel. For information, call 617-558-8106 or contact Harriet Lipof by e-mail (Harriet@TempleShop.org).

Please read the brief article on "The Meaning of Tefillin" by Rabbi Joshua Elkin on the blue sheet found with this letter and schedule in preparation for this session.

Session #2: Tuesday evening, February 23, 2010 6:00-8:00 p.m.

Focus: EXPLORING YOUR TORAH AND HAFTARAH PORTIONS

Together with Rabbi Robinson the group will study Torah and learn how a d'var Torah is developed and written. Each pre-Bar or Bat Mitzvah student will receive a booklet of his/her specific Torah and Haftarah portion with English translation and commentary for use when writing his/her D'var Torah (speech).

A light dinner will be served. We will meet in Adelson Community Hall.

Please read Chapter 4, pages 43-58, in "For Kids - Putting God on the Guest List"

which discusses Torah and Haftarah in preparation for this session.

Session #3: Sunday morning, February 28, 2010 9:00-10:30 a.m.

Focus: TALLIT & TEFILLIN PRACTICUM [meets in the Gann Chapel]

Learning to put on and wear tallit & tefillin comfortably takes practice! Students with their parents should bring tallit & tefillin and join us for a brief weekday Shacharit service.

Please read Chapter 8, pages 95-118, from the book: "For Kids - Putting God on the Guest List" which discusses the Shabbat Morning Worship Service.

NOTE: There is NO MAKOR on this date! Stay and help with the Purim carnival!

Session # 4: Tuesday evening, March 16, 2010 6:00-8:00 p.m.

Focus: B'NAI MITZVAH 'MITZVAH FAIR'

Join us for a special 'Mitzvah Fair' where we will study and discuss various mitzvot and

their connection and importance to our lives. In addition, we will showcase student mitzvah projects that highlight how and why one should incorporate the doing of mitzvot into the Bar/Bat Mitzvah preparation and celebration thus putting the mitzvah back in bar and bat mitzvah. A light dinner will be served. We will meet in Adelson Community Hall.

Please read chapter 5, pages 59-74, in "For Kids - Putting God on the Guest List".

The B'nai Mitzvah Family Seminar will be led by Rabbis Gardenswartz & Robinson, Wayne Goldstein, Director of Informal Youth Education and Terri Swartz Russell, Family Educator.

Please do let us know if you are unable to attend any session.

Contact Terri Swartz Russell, Family Educator, tswartzrussell@templeemanuel.com or 617-558-8105