B'nai Mitzvah Seminar
B'nai Mitzvah Handbook Addendum
B'nai Mitzvah Family Seminar
2012 CALENDAR AND SCHEDULE
These Pre-B'nai Mitzvah preparation programs are for ALL Temple Emanuel families with a child in 6th grade.
Book Presentation: Shabbat morning, Saturday, January 7, 2012
The book For Kids: Putting God on the Guest List will be presented at Shabbat morning services to each 6th grade child. Each pre-B‘nai Mitzvah family receives a copy of this book which serves as a text for the B‘nai Mitzvah Seminar.
Each pre-B'nai Mitzvah family is strongly encourage to continue or begin attending Shabbat morning services on a regular basis in our main service in the Rabbi Samuel Chiel Sanctuary. By attending services we hope each family will develop a comfort level and knowledge of the Shabbat service. Shabbat morning services begin at 9:30 am and conclude around 12 noon, followed by a congregational kiddush.
At this kiddush our entire congregation will have the opportunity to wish you and your family Mazal Tov as all of our 6th graders begin preparations for this special time in their Jewish lives.
We look forward to seeing you at Shabbat services on January 7!
Kick-off Program: Sunday, January 8, 2012 5:00 -7:30 pm
The "Why & How" of Becoming a Bar/Bat Mitzvah
All Temple Emanuel pre-B‘nai Mitzvah families will join together for this program and light dinner in the sukkah. We‘ll get to know each other, learn and discuss with our Rabbis the "why and how" of Bar/Bat Mitzvah, get "measured" for tefillin, receive the B‘nai Mitzvah Handbook, and more! Be sure to attend as we begin this year of preparation together.
Bar/Bat Mitzvah Parent Orientation Meeting - January 29th
An orientation meeting for parents whose children are scheduled to celebrate a Bar or Bat Mitzvah between September 2012 and June 2013 will take place on Sunday, January 29 from 10:00-11:00 am in the Gann Chapel.
At this meeting we will discuss the preparation each child will receive and explain various educational and administrative procedures. Parents will have the opportunity to ask questions and to meet the synagogue staff involved with the Bar/Bat Mitzvah program.
Given this meeting's administrative nature we are inviting parents only. Plan to stay following the meeting from 11:00-2:00 pm for the Simcha Showcase.
Please RSVP by January 20 to Laura Foresta, Ritual Administrator or 617-558-8127.
B'nai Mitzvah Family Seminar Series - 4 Sessions
Sunday mornings, February 5th and March 11th 9:15-10:30 am
Tuesday Evenings February 14th and March 28th 6:00-8:30 pm (with a snack).
The entire family is involved in study, reflection and preparation for this important life cycle experience, including the spiritual and emotional aspects of becoming a Bar or Bat Mitzvah. Seminar sessions will include hands-on learning about Jewish prayer, the Shabbat and weekday Shacharit (morning) service, Tallit & Tefillin, Torah & Haftarah, incorporating mitzvot into one‘s life, and more.
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 let us know if you are unable to attend any session by contacting Terri Swartz Russell, Family Educator, tswartzrussell@templeemanuel.com or 617-558-8105
The Family Shabbat Retreat
May 4-6, 2012 at Camp Yavneh
The goals of this retreat are to build community by getting to know each other better, enjoy Shabbat together with lots of 'ruach', explore the meaning of the Bar/Bat Mitzvah experience and most of all - to relax and have fun! Mark your calendar and plan to join us in May. The 6th grade Retreat will be a part of the 2nd annual Temple Emanuel synagogue-wide Retreat.
Temple Emanuel • 385 Ward St. Newton, MA 02459 • 617.558.8100
