The B’nai Mitzvah Committee developed policies covering all aspects of the b’nai mitzvah process. While your children may still be several years away from this milestone, we want you to be aware of TGE’s educational requirements so that your child will stay on track to experience this very special life cycle event. The following policies are similar to the requirements of the other Reform synagogues in the Phoenix area.
Religious School Education
In order to have a bar/bat mitzvah at Temple Gan Elohim, the student must successfully complete three years of religious school at Temple Gan Elohim. If the family has not been a member of Temple Gan Elohim long enough to meet this requirement, then previous attendance at another temple school or Jewish day school is acceptable. For situations in which the family joined Temple Gan Elohim too late for the student to be able to attend three years of our school by age thirteen, and where there was no prior religious school attendance, special arrangements will be considered.
Attendance at Services
Families must attend a minimum of twelve Friday evening Shabbat services or any holiday worship services for each of the two years preceding the bar/bat mitzvah ceremony, and a minimum of fifty percent of all b’nai mitzvah. It is important to attend a mixture of Friday evening and Saturday morning Shabbat services in order to ensure familiarity with liturgy and customs at Temple Gan Elohim.
Scheduling Your B'nai Mitzvah Date
Bar/bat mitzvah dates may be scheduled up to 18 months in advance of the ceremony.
Special Needs
Every Jew becomes a bar/bat mitzvah when they turn thirteen, regardless of whether or not this transition is observed by a ceremony. Temple Gan Elohim is committed to making this important life cycle event accessible and meaningful to all of its members, including those who have disabilities that make it difficult or impossible to meet all of the requirements. When the need arises, a special program will be designed in consultation with the rabbi, the Religious School Director and other pertinent parties.
Formulating TGE’s b’nai mitzvah policies will always be a work in progress. As policies are approved, they are incorporated into a booklet that will encompass all aspects of the b’nai mitzvah process.
To guide you through this exciting, and sometimes overwhelming process, the entire booklet will be available to you and can be accessed through the temple web site www.TempleGanElohim.org. This is a learning experience for all of us and we welcome your suggestions as to how we can make the b’nai mitzvah experience at Temple Gan Elohim memorable and meaningful.
