SHABBAT CLUB DATES FOR 2011-2012

Aug 20, 2011
Sep 10, 2011
Sep 24, 2011
Oct 22, 2011
Nov 5, 2011
Nov 26, 2011
Dec 17, 2011
Jan 28, 2012
Feb 25, 2012
Mar 31, 2012
Apr 14, 2012
Apr 28, 2012
May 5, 2012

Dear Touro Family ~

Welcome to the Bar/Bat Mitzvah process at Touro Synagogue. You are receiving this letter to help you define the plans for your child’s Bar or Bat Mitzvah.

Many of our traditions, requirements, and procedures are outlined in the formal B’nai Mitzvah packet, in our Religious School Handbook, and on our website.  You are always welcome to contact us directly to go over any concerns or questions about your planning, or to speak privately about special needs for your family.

Download the Bar & Bat Mitzvah Handbook here.

• Bar Mitzvah is neither the beginning nor the end of your child’s education. All students must be enrolled in Religious School prior to and during the Bar/Bat Mitzvah year. It is our culture and our expectation that all students continue through Confirmation.  If a student enrolls in our Religious School at a later grade, our clergy will make the proper determination from that start date to the date of the Bar/Bat Mitzvah to ensure a proper learning foundation has taken place before the Bar/Bat Mitzvah service.   Students who attend Jewish Day School may make special arrangements, but must join the Bar/Bat Mitzvah preparation process approximately 12 months before the scheduled Bar/Bat Mitzvah date.
• Bar/Bat Mitzvah dates are scheduled at a Bar/Bat Mitzvah planning meeting at the end of the fourth grade year of religious school.  Dates are requested in an order of 1st, 2nd, and 3rd preference.  Once the date is confirmed on the synagogue calendar, the family will receive a letter from the Rabbi.  If a date is not chosen at the time of the B’nei Mitzvah meeting don’t worry, dates will be readily available.  However, all Bar/Bat Mitzvah dates must be scheduled at least 18 months in advance.  From the time of the request to the actual Bar/Bat Mitzvah date, there must be an 18 month window.  This is to ensure that the clergy have adequate time to spend preparing the student for their ceremony.
• Those who reserve dates on the calendar at the B’nai Mitzvah meeting, but who subsequently are not enrolled in Religious School or Uptown Hebrew, and are not working with an approved tutor, may not reserve a Bar/Bat Mitzvah date.  To ensure a student is prepared for the Bar/Bat Mitzvah, students must be learning at Religious School and Uptown Hebrew.  Once these processes are in place, the Bar/Bat Mitzvah date may be confirmed with at least an 18 month lead time until the date.
• Students register at Uptown Hebrew in third grade and study for four years.  Students are expected to attend Uptown Hebrew diligently, come prepared with materials, participate fully, and progress in Hebrew learning.   Uptown Hebrew teachers will contact parents of students who require additional tutorials.  Students may enroll for level I Hebrew in grades 3 and 4 only.  Beyond that they will need remedial tutoring to catch up with their grade level.   Private tutors are available at the recommendation of the Cantor.
• Beginning one year before the Bar/Bat Mitzvah, students are required to attend Shabbat Club on selected Saturday mornings from 9:45 – 11:45 am.   This is an introduction to the Saturday morning service and an opportunity to lead the congregation in prayer.
• Students are required to participate in a Mitzvah Project of their choosing.  To make a conscientious decision about a meaningful Mitzvah Project, students should speak to the Cantor, Rabbi, or Educator.
• Students must practice in between lessons with Cantor/Dr. Jaffe.   Appointments are to be kept.  Consistently attending these meetings is of paramount importance to the student’s progress.

Our policies will be evaluated on a case by case basis. Israel destination Bar Mitzvahs, families new to the community, and all other extenuating circumstances will be considered.

It is our goal to create a purposeful, rich experience for students and families during this process.  Please feel free to be in touch at any time.

Shalom,

Rabbi Alexis Berk  
Phyllis Alltmont, President
Eileen Hamilton, Director of Education