For Parents

First, mazel tov in advance!  It’s a wonderful moment in a family’s life when you start planning a Bar or Bat Mitzvah.  And we at Kol Ami are overjoyed to have your child mark their Bar/Bat Mitzvah with our congregation. We hope it won’t be overwhelming. We have a timeline below and a set of Q and As that will hopefully help.  Rabbi Gilah is available to answer additional questions. And our Bnai Mitzvah Shmooze — for families with upcoming and recent Bnai Mitzvahs — is available to help as well.

There’s so much craziness associated with Bar Mitzvahs and Bat Mitzvahs these days in America that it’s hard to keep your eyes on the prize.  The prize is: a kid with a rich sense of what Judaism is all about, a firm foothold in the Jewish community, and maybe a glimpse of God. That’s all you can ask for, and it’s a lot.  Only you know the best way to allow that to happen. There are some great books out there about finding the spiritual meaning in your child’s Bar or Bat Mitzvah. Read them.

And then, trust that your kid’s Bar or Bat Mitzvah will be an amazing, special moment in the life of your family.