The bar or batmitzvah is a child’s first public act of personal commitment to Judaism, an opportunity to demonstrate a mastery of the basic elements of the religion, such as knowledge of the central prayers of the service, the meaning of the liturgy, and the ability to read  and understand a Torah portion. It is the culmination of many months of study, during which the entire family are expected to show their support by assisting with the learning and accompanying the youngster to Shabbat and festival services.

In the Progressive tradition, we do not discriminate against girls: they have the same opportunity as boys to lay claim to the Torah, to hold it, to recite the blessings and to read from it. For many girls, the privilege of celebrating a “proper” religious batmizvah is one of the key attractions of the Progressive service.

 

At Beit Emanuel we encourage children to begin their bnei mitzvah preparations at the age of ten, although younger children are welcome. Parents often say to us:  “But my child goes to King David, surely this is not necessary.” What we provide that is different, is a rounded religious education within the Progressive tradition with an emphasis on our core values of ethics, tolerance and gender equality.

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Our classes are led by Carmit Verryn, an experienced Israeli who also teaches Hebrew at King David. The actual bnei mitzvah preparation classes are led by Rabbi Shaked, who is a particularly inspiring teacher of children. Rebbetzin Sharon Shaked provides the girls with special classes in womanhood and femininity. Classes are held every Monday afternoon during school terms, from 4.00pm to 6.00pm.

Unlike other synagogues which charge extra for bnei mitzvah classes and for the actual celebrations, Beit Emanuel provides all of these free to member families as part of the package of services available with annual subscriptions.

The bar/batmitzvah class curriculum covers the following subject areas: