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 »
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 »
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 »
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 »
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 »
12–14 months Parents and B’nei Mitzvah students will attend information sessions with the Cantor and Senior 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 Continue Reading »
While all our clergy 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 a case, 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 »
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 »
Minchah Honours are as follows: Ashrei U’va L’Tzion (usually the B-Mitzvah or Cantor) Lead Torah Service (usually the B-Mitzvah) Ark Opening #1 Candy Distributors* Aliyot/Torah Blessings (usually 3 aliyot; the b-mitzvah receives one of these). At KBI, we try to observe the tradition of calling one each, consecutively: Kohein, Leivi, and Yisrael, but when the Continue Reading »