B'nei Mitzvah
Shaaray Tefila celebrates and supports your family’s decision to lead your child on a Jewish path, welcoming them into a life of Torah from the moment they enter our gates.
In his last speech to the children of Israel, Moses said, “May my teaching drip as the rain, My words flow as the dew, Like showers on young growth, Like droplets on the grass." - Deuteronomy 32:2
Becoming B’nei Mitzvah isn't the end of a journey, it's a stage of new growth.
Shaaray Tefila celebrates and supports your family’s decision to lead your child on a Jewish path, welcoming them into a life of Torah from the moment they enter our gates. At the age of thirteen, your child has the opportunity to become B’nei Mitzvah. With a strong foundation of Jewish education and emerging maturity, they will explore the lush garden that is the combined tradition of Torah throughout the generations, and consider their own role in adding to its beauty.
They will know the excitement of exploring the mysteries of texts both ancient and modern, protecting the world we inhabit through Tikkun Olam, working to help repair the world, upholding our ethical principles by treating ourselves and others with dignity, and fulfilling the prophetic call to strive for justice and peace.
In coming to this moment, our students declare that, rooted in their heritage, they are ready to extend their branches in ways they never have before. As they emerge into young adulthood, we are blessed to be their teachers and become their students.
The process of developing Jewish identity begins long before Jews become B’nei Mitzvah and continues for a lifetime. Temple Shaaray Tefila appreciates that you share this value of l’dor va’dor, “generation to generation,” and is eager to support you in launching your child on this lifelong journey.
Engaging with peers in a learning community is fundamental for children to develop their individual and communal Jewish identities, before and following the moment of becoming B’nei Mitzvah.
We strive to create a B’nei Mitzvah process that is meaningful for all of our students. For that reason, while there are some aspects in which all students engage, we have created various tracks where students can choose to customize their experience. With the guidance of their tutors, students will build on their Hebrew reading skills developed in Religious School, learn to chant Torah, learn and review prayers, and prepare the tracks they choose. Our senior cantor oversees each child’s progress.
The Mitzvah Project is a significant step toward becoming B’nei Mitzvah. The Mitzvah Project is centered on Gemilut Chasadim, acts of loving-kindness, and is based on volunteer hours, not a monetary tzedakah donation to a charity. We aim for students and families to build a close relationship with a small number of service organizations, rather than volunteer with multiple agencies. The best Mitzvah Projects are ones that students will continue after they become B’nei Mitzvah.
Our clergy play an active role in preparing students and developing meaningful connections with them and their families, meeting with them before and following the service when they become B’nei Mitzvah. The relationships they build with each child are lifelong.
Meet Rabbi Joel Mosbacher →
Meet Cantor Todd Kipnis →
Meet Rabbi Jill Rubin →
Mitzvah Project Planning Guide →
B’nei Mitzvah Pre-Kiddush Blessing →
Aliyah Blessings Transliteration →
B’nei Mitzvah Terms and Traditions →
Still have questions? Please do not hesitate to reach out to Joanne Pass via phone at (212) 535-8008 ext. 256 or email at jpass@tstnyc.org. She is more than happy to address any questions or concerns you may have.
Please do not hesitate to reach out to Joanne Pass via phone at (212) 535-8008 ext. 256 or email at jpass@tstnyc.org. She is more than happy to address any questions or concerns you may have.
Music: Listen & Learn
Brush up on melodies and prayers from our worship services with Cantor Todd Kipnis.
