Already started the process? Click here for resources.
Becoming B’Mitzvah* at TBZ is a multi-year process. It is an opportunity to learn and grow and to share your special talents, abilities, and interests with your community. It’s also a time to examine and strengthen connection to Judaism, the Jewish people, and Jewish spiritual life.
B’Mitzvah gets to lead parts of our service, chant from the Torah and Haftarah portions, and give a d’var Torah, a short teaching on how you understand your parsha (Torah portion). TBZ matches each soon-to-be B’Mitzvah with a coach, who will help you prepare to chant and help you get comfortable leading Shabbat prayers. Our rabbinic intern will study the parsha with you and help you develop your d’var Torah.
With others in your B’Mitzvah cohort, you’ll get to enjoy:
I’ve always heard Bar or Bat Mitzvah? What’s B’Mitzvah?
Hebrew is a gendered language, which means that nouns have to be either masculine or feminine grammatically. A girl becomes bat mitzvah, “daughter of the commandment,” while a boy becomes a bar mitzvah, “son of the commandment.” There is no gender-neutral way to say “child of the commandment.” Some people use “b’nei mitzvah” which is plural and can connote girls as well, but it’s still technically masculine. “B’mitzvah” is a gender-neutral expression, literally meaning “of the commandment.” Using this form allows us to include all genders when we write and talk, and individuals can choose how they refer to themselves and their simcha (joyous celebration).
Do I have to be a member of TBZ to become b’mitzvah at TBZ?
Because becoming B’Mitzvah is a community ritual, we ask that families be active members for at least two years prior to the simcha so that we can get to know you, watch you grow and be able to genuinely share in the simcha (the joy) of the occasion!
Do both of my parents have to be Jewish?
We welcome interfaith families! Please reach out to our spiritual leadership to see how this process will work for your family.
What if my Hebrew isn’t so good?
That’s ok! At TBZ, we believe in lifelong learning and you’ll have the rest of your life to practice speaking Hebrew. Through Beit Rabban, our afterschool learning program, you’ll explore the Hebrew language in preparation for your simcha. If you need more support, private tutoring is available.
Does my simcha have to be on Shabbat?
Nope! You can become B’Mitzvah at any service where we read Torah. This includes Shabbat morning, Shabbat afternoons, Monday or Thursday mornings. In addition, Rosh Hodesh, the Festival of the New Moon, is another option. It is not celebrated on a fixed day of the week.
How do I start the process?
Checking out this website is a great start! If you’re interested in learning more about the process at TBZ, please reach out to our office to have a conversation. If you’re interested in learning more about the process in general, here’s a good place to start.
*B’Mitzvah-a gender-neutral expression of bar or bat mitzvah, literally meaning “of the commandment”