This gallery of B’nai Mitzvah Innovations profiles cutting edge approaches to B’nai Mitzvah.
First, begin your exploration of our six areas of experimentation with a button below.
Second, enjoy browsing through each of the snapshots in the collections.
Taking the Torah Home
On the Friday night before each student’s bar or bat mitzvah, the rabbi, in a simple and private ritual, speaks to the b’nai mitzvah child about the importance of Torah in the Jewish community and how Jews have protected the Torah. The rabbi gives the child the Torah to take home and care for until the next morning, when he or she returns for their service of becoming a bar/bat mitzvah.
Lessons Learned
The presence of the Torah at home creates a sense of calm and a sacred time for the family. The students create a unique connection to the Torah they bring home and talk about it afterward.
Program Info
Grade levels: 7
Learners: Children (pre-B’nai Mitzvah), Parents
Every bar/bat mitzvah is given the opportunity to take the Torah home. No one has yet declined.
Year Implemented: 2014
Areas:
- Innovative Ritual
- Participating in Community
About Us
Temple Kol Tikvah
Woodland Hills, CA
230 members
Reform Congregation
B’nai Mitzvah each year: 40