B’nei Mitzvah Education

Welcome to the CSZ B’nei Mitzvah program! It is a powerful moment to see your child leading a service, reading from the Torah, and teaching the congregation. Our clergy and staff are committed to giving your family a joyous and positive experience for this most special of life-cycle events.

To have a Bar or Bat Mitzvah ceremony at Congregation Schaarai Zedek, a student completes predetermined educational and religious requirements which will fully prepare the student for the meaning and beauty of this ceremony. Requirements include:

  • Attendance at Religious School and two consecutive years of Hebrew school at Schaarai Zedek, or its equivalent.
  • Complete 11-12 months of tutoring with one of our clergy or tutors.
  • Attend four Friday Shabbat, and four Saturday Shabbat services at Schaarai Zedek, experiencing the services they will participate in and lead.
  • Complete a mitzvah project, learning about our obligation to care for the greater community
  • Participate in three family programs, building a stronger parent/child relationship as you begin the path to adulthood

Our private tutoring prepares the student to lead a Shabbat morning service, read from the Torah and Haftarah, and give a d’var torah (teaching from the Torah). It is our intention to enable our students to become full participants in Reform synagogue services anywhere in the world. A student who has a Bar/Bat Mitzvah is also expected to complete his/her Religious School education through the ninth grade and Confirmation.

We want all our students to be prepared for their Bar/Bat Mitzvah. If there are special circumstances, or you have recently moved to the Tampa Bay area, please contact Khan Whiteside in our clergy office.

We look forward to celebrating with you!

B’nai Mitzvah Prayers and Blessings