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” literally mean “son of” or “daughter of the commandments”. “B’nei Mitzvah” is 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 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 »
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 »
Alternate Venues Some families may consider B’nei mitzvah ceremonies at other venues, whether in Canada, Israel, or elsewhere. Our clergy will work with any member’s child towards their simchah in whatever location, but will generally not be able to leave the congregation over Shabbat to join your family. Service Options B’nei Mitzvah ceremonies may be Continue Reading »
Parents’ Prayer Parents will recite a prayer for their child: the Blessing of Independence. Our sages taught that a parent is responsible for their child’s deeds (taking on their merit or sins) until the age of mitzvot; thereafter they must say “Praised are you, Adonai our God, Who rules the universe, Who has freed us of Continue Reading »