Becoming bar, bat, or b’mitzvah* is not just one of the 613 commandments, it represents the time when our teens become full members of the Jewish community. At Congregation Agudas Achim, we celebrate this joyous occasion in the context of a Shabbat service. By the time our teens reach this milestone, they are well-positioned to lead the congregation through the service, and it’s a joy for all of us to watch them celebrate their knowledge and confidence.
We support b’nai mitzvah participants with training sessions for the students and their families. Students are tutored individually for their haftarah and Torah readings and work closely with the rabbi to engage in Torah learning and to prepare a d’var Torah for their special Shabbat.
In addition, we ask each student to engage in a mitzvah project related to something about which they care deeply. Over the years, students have planned projects that support homeless shelters, animal shelters, literacy, the National Park Service, and cancer research, among others. It’s amazing to see these young people share their passion for tikkun olam (repairing the world) with the entire congregation.
In addition, the students of each class and their families develop a special bond with each other over the years, and these friendships are the foundation of what keeps people engaged in the community long after the celebration is over.
*B’mitzvah (sometimes written as b-mitzvah) is a non-gendered term preferred by some students and families.
