E-mail is the best way to reach our caring staff and clergy, though our office phone numbers are below. Cantor Jason Green B’nei Mitzvah Program Coordinator cantor@kehillatbethisrael.com 613-728-3501 x239 Rabbi Erin Polanksy D’var Torah, Mitzvah project, halachic (Jewish legal) decisions Connect through Cantor Green 613-728-3501 x222 Jeremy Rosenberg Executive Director – Kiddush sponsorship, Catering, Room Continue Reading »
“Bar Mitzvah“, or “Bat Mitzvah” mean “Age of mitzvot/commandments”. “B’nei Mitzvah” can mean either the gender-neutral version*, or the plural (ie., multiple children of any gender, or boys specifically; “B’not mitzvah” refers to multiple girls). When a Jewish child reaches the appropriate age, he or she automatically becomes responsible for his or her own actions, Continue Reading »
This outline is designed as a guide in following the flow of the Shabbat service. Page numbers refer to the Sim Shalom Siddur (the smaller, blue prayer book), unless otherwise noted. Services begin at 9:00 am. Please advise all persons who will be receiving an honour to arrive well before their honour will occur and identify Continue Reading »
We are excited to welcome your family as part of the B’nei Mitzvah Chavurah/Cohort! At Kehillat Beth Israel there are a few basic requirements that must be fulfilled by the B’nei Mitzvah family in order to be eligible for a B’nei Mitzvah celebration. All of these requirements are meant to prepare your child for their Continue Reading »
B’nei Mitzvah students and parents should attend services regularly beginning as early as possible, in order to familiarize themselves with the services. All B’nei Mitzvah students should have a Tallit and a pair of T’fillin of their own. There are many places to purchase a Tallit and T’filin in Toronto and Montreal, as well as Continue Reading »
While both our Rabbi and Cantor will work with your family on spiritual issues, Cantor Green will be the primary tutor to prepare the B’nei Mitzvah student for their ritual participation. This service is provided with your membership. If you wish to use your own tutor, you must consult with the Cantor first. In such Continue Reading »
12–14 months Parents and B’nei Mitzvah students will attend information sessions with the Cantor and Rabbi. The Cantor will introduce your family to the B’nei Mitzvah study process; help you choose the date and the Torah reading/Haftarah; explain the parts of services which the student might lead, and help with goal-setting; work with you to Continue Reading »
For information on Shabbat morning services and the timing of the roles that you will play, please refer to item #13, below – “Tips and Shabbat Morning Service Outline”. The Honours Coordinator (honours@kehillatbethisrael.com) will review this document with your family and will ensure that the Honours Gabbai assigned to work on the day of your Continue Reading »
Following services, there is a congregational Kiddush meal sponsored by the B’nei Mitzvah family. Please plan for your guests to remain so that they and you may share the celebration with your congregational family. Because the B’nei Mitzvah ceremony is an experience that happens within the community, the expectation is for the Kiddush to be Continue Reading »
A Bar/Bat/B’nei Mitzvah is an important event in the life of your family, and it takes place as part of our regular prayer services. As such, we seek to strike a balance between honouring family and friends, and recognizing others who may be observing a special event such as a yahrzeit or a B’nei Mitzvah Continue Reading »