B’nai Mitzvah Coordinator
CONTACT: Rachel Martin at rmartin@tdhs-nw.org or (425) 818-5927
Rachel is here to support all our families through the b’nai mitzvah process. Please reach out to her with any questions or needs.
Becoming b’nai mitzvah is the first major lifecycle event in which Jewish young people use their own voices and make a commitment to take their place in shalshelet ha-kabbalah, the chain of our Jewish tradition.
We are honored to share this journey with you and your family. This is truly a special time.
B’nai mitzvah is the beginning of the young person’s new identity as a Jewish adult. They will be welcomed with full privileges and responsibilities into our community— to explore, to question, to study Torah, to pursue tikkun olam, and to learn how and why to center Judaism in their lives.
The full educational process of becoming b’nai mitzvah starts as soon as your child begins their Jewish education. The earlier they begin involvement in their Jewish community, the longer they have to build their confidence in their ability to lead our community in prayer. Early involvement leads to a deeper connection to their Jewish identity and growth in their moral and spiritual development.
Temple welcomes all families and all students—single-parent / LGBTQIA+ / interfaith / returning Jews / nonbinary / special needs / etc.—into this time-honored tradition and process.
Before we get started, please note:
- B’nai mitzvah is only open to members of Temple De Hirsch Sinai
- To become b’nai mitzvah, students must be enrolled in the Bridge Family Religion School or other approved Jewish learning experience
- Students are required to have at least three years of participation in our program before starting the b’nai mitzvah process. (Students who join Bridge Family Religion School with no previous education later than 3rd grade may require additional tutoring in Hebrew and independent work in content that was covered.)
- Students must strive to have consistent attendance in 3rd & 4th grades. Students in 5th-7th grades must meet at 75% attendance requirement to continue on the b’nai mitzvah track.
- Students are encouraged to attend services as often as possible (at least once a month in addition to religious school) to become familiar with prayers and melodies.
This process begins approximately six months in advance of the student’s b’nai mitzvah date.
We are so excited to meet you! Mazel tov!
B'Nai Mitzvah Family Guide
FAQ
For more answers to frequently asked questions, please see our comprehensive B’nai Mitzvah Family Guide. The family guide is updated every January.
Yes! We will work with your family to create an individual process —based on their previous education and Hebrew knowledge—for your student to become b’nai mitzvah. We still require three years of education/community involvement before a student can become b’nai mitzvah. B’nai mitzvah ceremonies can take place any time after your child is 13.
Absolutely! We will work with you to craft a program that is realistic and achievable for your child and your family.
We are thrilled that your student’s other parent supports and wants to be a part of the b’nai mitzvah process! When you meet with the rabbi, please share this info and the rabbi will ensure that the parent is welcomed, has a role to play in the process, and feels included in the service.
Our current b’nai mitzvah fee is $1,545, which covers all tutoring, rehearsals, individual meetings with rabbis, and musicians/rabbi officiation on the day of your special day. Scholarships are available. The B’nai Mitzvah fee will increase by 3% annually on July 1st to sustain the continued quality of our program, which is priced below its true cost to remain accessible to families.
Prayer Recordings & Documents
High Range
01 Modehani
02 Prayer for Tallis
03 Ma Tovu
04 Nissim Bchol Yom
05 Eilu Dvarim
06 Ashrei
07 Yotzeir Or
08 Maariv Aravim
09 Vahavta
10 Adonai-Avot Aimahot
11 Gvurot
12 Modim
13 Torah Blessings
14 Blessing Before Haftarah
15 Blessing After Haftarah
16 Havdalah Blessings
17 Friday Evening Kiddush
18 Shema
19 Barchu
21 Motzi
20 Candle Blessing
Low Range
01 Modehani
02 Prayer for Tallis
03 Ma Tovu
04 Nissim Bchol Yom
05 Eilu Dvarim
06 Ashrei
07 Yotzeir Or
08 Maariv Aravim
09 Vahavta
10 Adonai-Avot Aimahot
11 Gvurot
12 Modim
13 Torah Blessings
14 Blessing Before Haftarah
15 Blessing After Haftarah
16 Havdalah Blessings
17 Friday Evening Kiddush
18 Shema
19 Barchu
20 Candle Blessing
21 Motzi
Slower Versions
06 Ashrei
07 Yotzeir Or
08 Maariv Aravim
09 Vahavta
10 Adonai-Avot Aimahot
11 Gvurot
General
Winter Words
Summer Words
13 Torah Blessings
14 Blessing Before Haftarah
15 Blessing After Haftarah
Attendance Requirement & Reflection Form Submission
As part of their B’nai Mitzvah preparation, each student — along with at least one parent — is required to attend a minimum of two in-person services and one streamed service at TDHS or another synagogue by the fifth month of training and fill out the reflection form below.
The B’nai Mitzvah student must complete the reflection form (both linked and embedded on this page) after attending the required services. This form is an important opportunity to reflect on the service experience and demonstrate engagement with the preparation process.
Attendance will be tracked by the B’nai Mitzvah Coordinator, Clergy, and Tutors.
As a reminder, feel free to contact B’nai Mitzvah Coordinator Rachel Martin, at rmartin@tdhs-nw.org or (425) 818-5927 with any questions or concerns.