We now call this the BMitzvah process, expanding the words “Bar or Bat Mitzvah, B’nai and B’not Mitzvah” to be more inclusive. Use these links will help you prepare for your child’s Bmitzvah service.
- Contains the most up-to-date expectations, policies, and procedures for Or Ami’s BMitzvah process.
FAQs: If you have questions about:
- Tutoring, choosing a Torah portion, how to practice, or other questions not listed below?
-
- Contact BMitzvah Coordinator Stephanie Eshel
- Changing a date, using the sanctuary, preparing attendance lists for security, challah/kiddush, hosting a lunch at Or Ami, photography, or videography?
-
- Contact BMitzvah Administrator Icela Alcala
- Scheduling meetings with Rabbi Paul, participating in a Friday night service prior to the BMitzvah, understanding the music at the service, or choosing who to honor with aliyot and Torah rituals?
Certain relatives and friends are called up for an aliyah, literally to ascend the bimah (stage), but more significantly, to bless the Torah (our spiritual sourcebook). When called up, people chant the Before Torah and After Torah blessings.
- Torah Blessing Sheet
Print out the blessings to practice. Or Ami will have copies of these blessing sheets at the podium during the service. - Recordings of the Torah Blessings
Listen to these recordings to practice
Before the Torah Blessing
• Normal speed
After the Torah Blessing
• Normal speed - Watch how the Blessings are done
FAQs: If you have questions about:
- What happens when I am called up for an aliyah?
Watch video here. - Where do I stand for the aliyah?
Watch video here.
- Should I wear a tallit (prayer shawl)?
Jews are encouraged to do so. It is optional, not required. Non-Jewish relatives are not forbidden from doing so. Tallitot are hanging on the tallit rack on the far side of the sanctuary. Choose one to wear and please return it after the service. - Can you help me practice the blessings (I’m nervous)?
Before the day of the service, you might ask the BMitzvah student to help you practice (this is a fabulous way for grandparents, especially, to connect and praise the student for their knowledge). On the day of the service, you might ask the rabbis and/or musical soloist to review them with you. - Am I singing the blessings alone?
The rabbi will be standing next to you, and the soloist nearby, and they would be honored to sing along with you. Just ask.
Livestream the BMitzvah service
All services are streamed at oramiLIVE.com
BMitzvah Online Prayerbook
For those worshipping via the livestream
For those worshipping via the livestream
Or Ami BMitzvah students are automatically enrolled into a robust and comprehensive program known as Mitzvah Project Central (MPC), operated by our partners at Tzedek America.
Learn about Mitzvah Project Central
See the BMitzvah Guidebook
FAQs: If you have questions about:
- How does my child utilize Mitzvah Project Central?
Contact Youth Engagement Coordinator Andrew Fromer - When should my child begin the Mitzvah Project?
We suggest your family begin 8-12 months before the service so you are not weighed down by the requirement. Some students can plan and execute the project on their own; most need the partnership and organizational help of a parent or grandparent.
