Bar/Bat Mitzvah

Handbook

Congregation Beth Am
Rabbi David Kornberg
Rabbi Matthew Earne
5050 Del Mar Heights Road
San Diego, CA

TABLE OF CONTENTS

What Does It Mean To Celebrate A Bar/Bat Mitzvah?

How Do I Prepare Myself For My Bar/Bat Mitzvah Ceremony?

How Do I Celebrate My Bar/Bat Mitzvah?

Bar/Bat Mitzvah Program & Policies

Bar/Bat Mitzvah Fees

Bar/Bat Mitzvah Preparation Schedule

The Rehearsal

In Preparation For The Services

Bar/Bat Mitzvah Etiquette Suggestions

To Say Thank You

How Can My Family Be Involved In The Service?

Friday Evening Shabbat Service

Saturday Morning Shaharit Service

A Double Bar/Bat Mitzvah

Bar/Bat Mitzvah Speech

Some Reminders

How Can We Make Our Day A Simha, A Day Of Joy?

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The Reception

10

The Food

11

Final Words

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Bnai Mitzvah Family Reference List

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WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO CELEBRATE A BAR/BAT MITZVAH?

Bar/Bat Mitzvah is a beginning. Jewish law has fixed the age of thirteen for boys and twelve for girls
as the beginning of adulthood. Therefore, a child legally enters the stage of responsibility at that time
and becomes a Bar or Bat Mitzvah. Being a Bar/Bat Mitzvah means reaching the age of Jewish
maturity and assuming the privileges, obligations and responsibilities of following the Mitzvot, the
commandments of Jewish law.
This period of training and preparation can be a time of growth and enrichment, not only for the
student, but also for the family as a whole. The Bar/Bat Mitzvah should be treated as a catalyst in your
childs lifethe time for grappling with ideas and identities, both Jewish and secular. It is a time that
can have deep significance, and be of vital importance to your childs development as an individual
and a Jew.

HOW DO I PREPARE MYSELF FOR MY BAR/BAT MITZVAH CEREMONY?

Preparation for a Bar/Bat Mitzvah begins when the child enters religious school. It is expected that
every child be enrolled in the Beth Am Jewish Learning Center, Beth Am Sabra Program or a Jewish
Day School before and during his/her Bar/Bat Mitzvah year. It is important to remember and to
impress upon our children that the Bar/Bat Mitzvah is not the end of their Jewish Education but rather
a very important milestone within it.
Formal Bar/Bat Mitzvah preparation tutorials begin approximately six months prior to a childs
Bar/Bat Mitzvah date and continue until the ceremony. Tutors will be assigned by Rabbi Earne and
will contact you to arrange a schedule.
In addition, it is highly encouraged that all students continue their Jewish education at the Beth
Am Sabra Program or equivalent after becoming a Bar/Bat Mitzvah.

HOW DO I CELEBRATE MY BAR/BAT MITZVAH?

Since the cornerstone of the rite is being called to the Torah for an Aliyah to recite the blessings, a
Bar/Bat Mitzvah can take place any time the Torah is read. Traditionally, the Torah is read every
Monday, Thursday, and Saturday. The Torah is also read every Festival morning and on Rosh Hodesh
(the New Moon) each month. Please remember that Congregation Beth Am is an egalitarian synagogue
and that service participation follows the guidelines as such.
Each student is given a Bar/Bat Mitzvah date occurring as close as possible following their 13th
birthday according to the Hebrew calendar. Dates are assigned during the students 5th grade year.
Each family will be notified with their assigned date soon thereafter.
We are fortunate to have a large and growing family at Congregation Beth Am with many students
preparing for their Bnai Mitzvah at the same time. To accommodate the increasing number of
candidates, please be aware that some dates will have more than one Bar/Bat Mitzvah student at the
same service.

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THE BAR/BAT MITZVAH PROGRAM & POLICIES

The Bar/Bat Mitzvah program is specialized in order to prepare each individual with the necessary
skills and knowledge to enable them to take their position as members of the synagogue and the Jewish
community. In order to participate in this program a student and his/her family must meet the
following requirements:

All candidates must be Jewish. Please feel free to discuss any issues relating to this with us.

It is the synagogue policy that all families must be members in good standing: that all dues, fees
and other financial obligations are 100% fulfilled at least 6 months prior to the Bar/Bat Mitzvah
date.

Jewish Education -- All candidates must have successfully completed at least three years of
education at Beth Ams Jewish Learning Center and are either enrolled or have completed the
seventh grade Sabra Program. Students are required to attend classes in these programs in the
fourth, fifth, sixth & seventh grades (if transferring from another synagogue or school, equivalent
years are accepted). If enrolled in a Jewish Day School, students must have completed a minimum
of three years immediately preceding the Bar/Bat Mitzvah. During their seventh grade year, all
students and families (Sabra and Day School) will participate in Beth Ams monthly Tallit N
Tfillin (TNT) Program.

Student must be currently enrolled in an approved Judaic education program.

Mitzvah program -- A Mitzvah is one of G-ds commandments. When one becomes a Bar/Bat
Mitzvah, he/she assumes the obligation of observing and performing the Mitzvot of Judaism. Since
a Bar/Bat Mitzvah is a family affair, we ask each family to participate in the mitzvah program
together. Each student and family will participate in the mitzvah program, which is
incorporated into the monthly TNTs.

Shabbat attendance -- Shabbat attendance is necessary to thoroughly familiarize the student and
family with the Services and procedures of our Synagogue. The Bar/Bat Mitzvah student and their
family are expected to attend Shabbat services at least twelve (12) times during the twelve months
prior to the Bar/Bat Mitzvah. Of the twelve, nine should be Shaharit, depending on the service in
which your child will be participating. We also give credit for students who attend services of
another family members Bar/Bat Mitzvah. Please email Rabbi Earne so he can keep track.
Of course, it is hoped that attendance at Tfillah (services) will be a part of your familys
regular life style. Please understand that familiarity with the prayers comes through
exposure; it is only fair to students that they be given quality time to listen and learn.

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Tutorials -- Approximately six months before the Bar/Bat Mitzvah, each student will begin a
series of individual meetings with one of our tutors. Students are assigned to a tutor by Rabbi
Earne. Tutors will contact you prior to the beginning of lessons to arrange for a schedule.
Each student is expected to study at home each day and to fulfill the assignments given. We
recommend at least half (1/2) an hour of study each and every day. Bar/Bat Mitzvah preparation is
cumulative learning; it must be repeated and reinforced. Studying the day before the next lesson
just will not accomplish the goal.
We urge parents to carefully supervise your childs study and preparation for lessons. If at any time
during the six (6) months of formal training the student falls behind, the parents must provide
additional tutoring at their expense until the student is on schedule. Parents will be regularly
informed of their childs progress.
Approximately six weeks before the Bar/Bat Mitzvah, the students will begin weekly meetings
with the Rabbi to review all preparations and including his/her Bar/Bat Mitzvah speech.

Continued Jewish Education -- It is expected that the Bar/Bat Mitzvah student and their family
make a commitment to continue his/her Jewish education at the Beth Am Sabra Program or
equivalent. We believe in the importance of continued Jewish education for the development of a
committed and educated Jewish adult.

BAR/BAT MITZVAH FEES

The current fee for the Bar/Bat Mitzvah program is $1075. This fee is in addition to the regular JLC
school fees and helps to defray the cost of the tutoring provided to train the students, material fees, and
other administrative costs. This fee will be charged to the membership account twelve (12) months
prior to the Bar/Bat Mitzvah. The fees are subject to change and will be billed at the amount in effect
twelve (12) months before the students date. All dues, fees and other financial obligations must be
100% fulfilled at least 6 months prior to the Bar/Bat Mitzvah date, and subsequently incurred dues,
fees, and other financial obligations to the Congregation must be promptly fulfilled prior to the Bar/Bat
Mitzvah.

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BAR/BAT MITZVAH PREPARATION SCHEDULE

Each Bar/Bat Mitzvah family will follow this basic schedule:
Attend Shabbat services regularly. This is essential to provide the highest level of comfort for
your child on his/her Bar/Bat Mitzvah day.
In the 7th grade year
Attend monthly TNTs as a family.
Work monthly on TNT Mitzvah Projects.
One year prior
Bill assigned to family to allow time for payment plan.
Eight seven months prior to the Bar/Bat Mitzvah
Call to arrange six month meeting with Rabbi Earne.
Six months prior to Bar/Bat Mitzvah
All families should meet with Rabbi Earne for the six month family meeting.
Students begin weekly tutorial sessions.
Students should be practicing at home at least half an hour (1/2) hour per day.
Bar/Bat Mitzvah fee should be paid in full prior to this time.
Schedule six week Bar/Bat Mitzvah appointments including rehearsal.
Schedule meeting with Executive Director to speak about facility arrangements.
Five three months prior to Bar/Bat Mitzvah
Student to meet with Rabbi to work on speech.
Six weeks prior to Bar/Bat Mitzvah
Family will meet with Rabbi Kornberg for the 6 week family meeting.
Student to begin student meetings with the Rabbis to prepare and rehearse for Bar/Bat Mitzvah.
Have a rough draft of speech ready to bring to the Rabbi by five week meeting.
Rehearsal time should be confirmed with the Rabbis assistant.
Three weeks prior to Bar/Bat Mitzvah
Return completed Honors Sheet to Rabbi Earne.
Submit final copy of parents speech to Rabbi Earne. No more than 500 words.
Submit copy of Booklet, if you are making one, to Rabbi Earne for approval.
Two weeks prior to Bar/Bat Mitzvah
Meet with Rabbi Kornberg to tie tzitzit on the tallit.
Week of the Bar/Bat Mitzvah
Bar/Bat Mitzvah rehearsal.

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After the Bnai Mitzvah

Pick up DVD of service
Continue Jewish Education
Continue involvement with USY
Read Torah or lead services for YAD Squad

THE REHEARSAL
During the week preceding the Bar/Bat Mitzvah, a rehearsal is held with the Bar/Bat Mitzvah student,
the parents, and the Rabbi in the Synagogue. The rehearsal takes one and one-half hours (1-1/2 hours)
and is important to ensure a smooth flowing Bar/Bat Mitzvah day. The rehearsal does not replace
the need to attend services on a regular basis.

Photography -- You may wish to have a professional photographer take pictures to commemorate
the Bar/Bat Mitzvah. Please remember that no photography, professional or amateur, is permitted
at the Synagogue or on its grounds on Shabbat. The facilities of the synagogue are available before
or after the Bar/Bat Mitzvah day for taking simulated poses. In practice, most people use the time
of the rehearsal for taking pictures.

Video -- Professional video recording is not permitted in the Synagogue on Shabbat. However,
through the gift of the 1987 Adult Bnai Mitzvah Class, which contributed timer-generated
recording equipment, we are now able to record your sons/daughters Bar/Bat Mitzvah. The
recording is from a simple, stationary camera and provides a wide-view of the entire pulpit. If you
would like a copy of this DVD, please request one from the office the week following the Bar/Bat
Mitzvah.

IN PREPARATION FOR THE SERVICES

Food baskets -- In lieu of flowers, we ask that you donate two food baskets for the needy to be
displayed on the bimah. The contents of the baskets are given to Jewish Family Services after the
Bar/Bat Mitzvah and should contain certified KOSHER food. Usually, you may choose empty
baskets the Congregation has on hand for this purpose. If you choose to display flowers or plants
they must be in addition to the food baskets.

Religious items -- Your child will want to have his/her own Tallit and Kippah for their Bar/Bat
Mitzvah. Any of the Jewish bookstores in the area will carry these items.

Invitations -- Any reputable printer can print Bar/Bat Mitzvah invitations in varieties of script,
colors and designs. In keeping with the spirit of the Bar/Bat Mitzvah please do not order your
invitations on Shabbat. Please remember to include an invitation to the Friday night Kabbalat
Shabbat Service on your invitations. The office can confirm the time the Friday service is
scheduled to begin.
It is important to keep in mind that Judaism is about community-building. The Bar/Bat Mitzvah is
an important transition into adulthood and how invitations are handled is a lesson in itself. It is
very painful for an individual child to attend a service of a classmate when everyone else is invited
for the festivities and they are not, especially when comments are made that exclude the individual.
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Therefore, if you are planning to invite more than 50% of your childs classmates, we encourage
you to invite the whole class. Please obtain a current mailing list, from Jessi Breziner or Rabbi
Earne, as close to your anticipated mailing date as possible.

Parents should speak to their child about proper behavior/comments in class and at a service or
party. No one wants to invite a child who is offensive to their own child or cannot be trusted. We as
a shul and community can only make guidelines; it is up to each familys conscience to enforce
them properly.

BAR/BAT MITZVAH ETIQUETTE SUGGESTIONS

1. You and your child are encouraged to attend Friday night and Saturday morning services,
whether or not s/he is invited to any social celebration.
2. When your child is a guest of the Bar/Bat Mitzvah, it is appropriate for them to be present at
least for the Torah service, Bar/Bat Mitzvah introduction to the Haftarah and the Haftarah.
3. In order for your child to participate properly in the service, and to be there for their friends,
any breaks your child takes from the service should be brief, and close to the sanctuary.
4. Proper attire includes knee length skirts or dresses (modest attire) for girls, and slacks with
collared shirts for boys. Once students have become Bar/Bat Mitzvah, they should wear talitot
each Shabbat morning. Please review with your son/daughter how to sit on a raised platform.
Short skirts, bare shoulders, and bare midriffs are not acceptable, and people so dressed
will be asked to cover themselves before entering the sanctuary. We urge all honorees to be
conservatively and appropriately dressed.

5. Our young men and women should understand that their behavior (both at the service and at the
celebration) is a reflection on the Bar/Bat Mitzvah family, the synagogue, the school, and their
own family. When they conduct themselves properly, we can all be proud!!!

6. All men, regardless of their faith, are required to wear kippot in the synagogue building. Jewish
men and women may wear a tallit (prayer shawl) during appropriate tfillot. It is required that
women, as well as men, with an honor wear head coverings.

TO SAY THANK YOU

We urge that you permanently inscribe your childs simha on Beth Ams TREE OF LIFE. The office
can provide you with the information and forms for ordering a leaf for our TREE OF LIFE.
It is very fitting and proper to make a contribution to the Synagogue in honor of your sons/daughters
Bar/Bat Mitzvah. Speak to either of the Rabbis for suggestions regarding which synagogue funds
might need your support.
Students should discuss their own choice of tzedakah recipients with their parents. The maaser,
generally 10% of cash gifts received at the Bar/Bat Mitzvah, is an additional way to participate in the
community.
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HOW CAN MY FAMILY BE INVOLVED IN THE SERVICE?

The key element of the Bar/Bat Mitzvah is for the student to be familiar with the design of the Tfillot
(services). Our students participate in services on a variety of levels, some more fully by leading a
large part of the Shabbat service and/or by reading additional portions of the Torah. If you have a
question about the service, family or student participation (including non-Jews participation) in the
service please feel free to ask Rabbi Earne. The Congregation can provide CDs to assist honorees in
practicing the Hebrew blessings which are assigned to them.

FRIDAY EVENING SHABBAT SERVICE

Shabbat Candle Lighting -- Grandmother(s), mother(s), Bar/Bat Mitzvah, and sisters come up on the
bimah for the Shabbat candle blessing. Recite the candle lighting berakhah (blessing) found on page
301.
Parent Blessing Parents can present their own blessing when they present the tallit at the beginning
of the service or parents can present their own blessing for the childs next step on their journey at the
end of the service.
Kabbalat Shabbat and Maariv Service Child is encouraged to lead English reading on pages 23 &
33, Vishamru and Hotzi Kaddish.
Kiddush -- Grandfather(s), father(s), Bar/Bat Mitzvah and brothers come up to recite the Kiddush.

SATURDAY MORNING SHAHARIT SERVICE

Birkhot HaShahar & Psukay DZimra led by the student(s), a family member, or a congregation
member. This is up to parents based on your childs ability.
Shaharit - led by the student(s), a family member, or a congregation member.
Torah Service
At the beginning of the Torah Service, parents, grandparents and siblings walk slowly to the ark.

The ark is opened, the crown is placed on the Torah, and the Torah is handed down from
generation to generation.

At a service with two Bnai Mitzvah students, the Torah will be passed through one family and
then through the second family. The student receiving the Sefer Torah second will carry it through
the congregation to the shulhan (table). The other student will carry the Sefer Torah as it returns to
the ark.

Family members stand together in a straight line on the bimah, facing the congregation, while the
prayers of Shma, Ehad and Gadlu (pg 141) are recited. As the student carries the Torah through
the congregation family members should follow the Torah until they reach their seats, at which
point they return to their seats.

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Torah Readings The student generally reads at least one Torah portion. Family members and
friends are called up to the Torah for the Aliyot. Families are given the privilege of distributing
many of these honors to family and friends. The Honors Sheet is available on-line at
www.betham.com. The Congregation can provide CDs to help honorees in practicing and Hebrew
blessings which are assigned to them.

All of our students, whether Shaharit or Minha, shared or single, will have three (3) Aliyot to
distribute to their family. Typically, one of these is reserved for the Bar/Bat Mitzvah, one for the
parents, and the third for the grandparents or other honoree. The other Aliyot will go either to the
other Bar/Bat Mitzvah family or to other members of the congregation.

At our Synagogue, both men and women are called to the Torah. In the past, some honorees have
had difficulty chanting the blessings. We insist that those who are chosen for Aliyot be thoroughly
competent to recite the Torah blessings, so as not to embarrass themselves, you, or our
Congregation. Blessings can be located on page 142 of the siddur. The music can be learned by
requesting a CD from Rabbi Earne or the tutor.

Family members are encouraged to learn one of the Torah Portions to chant in honor of the Bar/Bat
Mitzvah child. Please understand that the portion read from the Torah Scroll does not have vowels
and takes significant preparation. Cheat sheets will not be permitted at the shulhan.

Following the Maftir reading, the honors of Hagbah (lifting the Torah), and Gelilah (binding and
dressing the Torah) are available for your family.

If there are two Bnai Mitzvah students participating in the service, one family will distribute the
honors of Hagbah and Gelilah and the other family will distribute the honors of the prayers found
slightly later in the Torah Service.

Prior to the reading of the Haftarah portion the Bar/Bat Mitzvah presents a short speech.

If there are two Bnai Mitzvah students participating in the service one will read the first portion of
the Haftarah and do his/her speech on the Haftarah, and the other will read the second portion of
the Haftarah and do his/her speech on the Torah portion prior to its reading.

Following the Haftarah, parents come up to the Shulhan for the Parental Blessing (provided for
you). At this point the student has the option of reading the Bar/Bat Mitzvah Pledge. The Rabbi
will discuss the pledge with the student during their meetings together.

Additional honors which the family has the opportunity to distribute are: A Prayer for Our Country
on page 148 (English), A Prayer for the State of Israel on page 149(English or Hebrew), and A
Prayer for Peace on page 149 (English). All are available on-line at www.betham.com.

If there are two Bnai Mitzvah students participating in the service, these prayers will be distributed
by the family which is not assigning Hagbah and Gelilah.

Other honors include opening the Ark at the end of the Torah Service. When the Torah is returned
to the ark, those being honored precede the Torah to open the ark and will be instructed to close the
ark at the appropriate time.
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A DOUBLE BAR/BAT MITZVAH

We know that there is a great deal of concern around the concept of having two students share a
morning service. Please be assured that we have done our homework and have been in contact with
other synagogues that do this on a regular basis. We have designed a general concept based on what
we have found works best. Each set of students will be different based on their needs, desires, and
abilities. We will work with you every step of the way to make sure that everything works smoothly.
We will also be available to assist the families to consider any joint plans to sponsor the Oneg,
Kiddush and other reception options at the Synagogue.

BAR/BAT MITZVAH SPEECH

During the six months prior to the Bar/Bat Mitzvah the student should research and write a rough draft
of his/her Haftarah/Torah speech. The rough draft should be brought to the five week meeting with
the Rabbi. The student is required to read and research commentaries on the appropriate section
for his/her speech either the Torah or the Haftarah - they are different. If you have any
questions about which portion the student will be reading, please contact us.
The speech should be between three and four minutes in length and contain three main sections:
1. The history and background of the piece. (Who wrote it, when, what does it say?)
2. What message in the parasha can be related to life in todays society?
3. How does it connect to you and your life?
As this is a Dvar Torah, a "Torah Talk," it is appropriate to focus only on these three sections. "Thank
Yous may be written out in the pamphlets or expressed orally during the reception.
Research The primary place for the student to find information on the Haftarah/Torah is by reading
the translation in the Humash. This will provide the student with an overview of the portion and with
several commentaries on the bottom of the page. A tremendous amount of information is also
available on the internet. The Rabbis can identify several reliable websites.

SOME REMINDERS
1. All deliveries of food, baked goods, and gift baskets must be made to the Synagogue before
2:00pm on Friday. Food to be consumed on the premises must be Kosher and obtained from
sources approved by the Rabbis.
2. Please remind your guests that smoking, photography, writing, and the use of audio or video
recorder, are not permitted in the Synagogue or on the Synagogue grounds on Shabbat. Also,
please ask your guests to put all pagers or cellular phones on silent mode before entering the
sanctuary.
3. Only soft candies are permitted to be tossed at the Bar/Bat Mitzvah because of the possibility of
personal injury. They must be soft, kosher and approved by the Rabbis.

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4. If you are having a significant number of non-Jewish guests, a booklet with explanations of the
service is a nice way to help them feel more comfortable. Examples are available from Rabbi
Earne.

HOW CAN WE MAKE OUR DAY A SIMHA, A DAY OF JOY?

There is no right way to approach the manner of celebrating a Bar/Bat Mitzvah. The kind/amount of
activities and food which are provided to guests are the choice of each family. We just ask that the
celebration reflect the occasionthat the luncheon/dinner/party honors your 13 year old son/daughter
who has just participated in a sacred religious ceremony.
Friday Night Oneg Families are expected to participate in sponsoring the Oneg following Friday
night services in honor of their childs Bar/Bat Mitzvah. Please speak to the Executive Director for
more information. When the synagogue holds a dinner, some families join us for the evening.
Saturday Kiddush Families are expected to participate in sponsoring the Kiddush following
Saturday morning services in honor of their childs Bar/Bat Mitzvah. Many families choose to cosponsor or sponsor a Kiddush luncheon for the community. Please remember your child is celebrating
his/her Bar/Bat Mitzvah as a part of the community. If you choose to host a luncheon at the Synagogue
directly following services, you are highly encouraged to include the community in your simha. Please
speak to the Executive Director for more information.
Saturday Seudat Shlisheet If you are having a minhah/maariv service you will need to decide what
type of Seudat Shlisheet, third meal, you wish to have between the minhah (afternoon) service and
maariv (evening). In our congregation this third meal can be as simple as cookies, cake and drinks; a
time to serve hors doeuvres; or a sit down meal for your guests. Please speak to the Executive
Director for more information.

THE RECEPTION
Your reception can be held Motzei Shabbat (Saturday night), Sunday afternoon or evening, or several
other times. Remember, a successful party begins by incorporating Judaism. If your simha is on Motzei
Shabbat (Saturday evening) plan on beginning it with Havdalah and please remember that parties
should begin after Shabbat concludes. As education is an essential part of the Bar/Bar Mitzvah
experience, parties should not be planned during JLC or Sabra hours. Entertainment should be in
keeping with the values of the Bar/Bat Mitzvah. A Las Vegas Night may not be the most appropriate
of themes. Please remind DJs that certain songs are inappropriate for Bnai Mitzvah receptions.
The Rabbi will regretfully decline your kind invitation to any party that is held outside the Synagogue
on Shabbat. He will make every effort to attend parties held on Saturday evening (his arrival will be
after Shabbat) or Sunday, provided the food served meets kosher dietary requirements.
When choosing outfits for your childs Bar/Bat Mitzvah as well as for those that he/she will attend
please keep in mind that this is a celebration of their coming of age in Judaism and that their clothing
should be in good taste with a reasonable amount of modesty.

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THE FOOD
All food that is served at Congregation Beth Am must be kosher. Please speak to the Executive
Director for more information about catering and preparations.
If you have a luncheon/dinner party at home, in a restaurant, or any place other than the Synagogue,
we, of course, cannot insist that it be kosher. However, we respectfully urge you to consider having a
kosher meal in keeping with the spirit of the reason for the celebration. If you choose to serve a meat
meal it should contain kosher meat with no dairy products served at any time during the evening. A
dairy meal can include any type of kosher fish. If you have any questions regarding Kashrut at your
simha please contact us. We are happy to work with you and if necessary the caterer/hotel/restaurant to
avoid any issues.

FINAL WORDS
Please remember that your child as a Bar/Bat Mitzvah is leading services as a celebration of their
entering into the adult Jewish community. We know that the details of planning a Bar/Bat Mitzvah
can sometimes feel overwhelming but hope that you will keep in mind the intent of the simha. If you
have questions or concerns of any kind please feel free to bring them to our attention. Rabbi Earne
can be reached at 858-481-8454 or rabbie@betham.com.

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BNAI MITZVAH FAMILY REFERENCE LIST

Below is a list of names of families who have gone through the Bnai Mitzvah experience at Beth Am.
They have volunteered their emails so that you can contact them if you have any questions about the
Bnai Mitzvah process at Beth Am. We provide this list because we are aware that planning a Bar/Bat
Mitzvah can be overwhelming and we as your community want to do what ever we can to help you.
1. Carin Siegel
carin@netzero.net
Carins son, Adam, shared his Bar Mitzvah with Joshua Skolnick.
2. Myra Fleischer
MFleisc3@aol.com
Myra was the Vice President of Education at our synagogue.
3. Sharon Weinberg
sweinberg@betham.com
Sharons daughter, Maya, had her Bat Mitzvah in Israel.
4. Rebecca Levin
reblevin@roadrunner.com
5. Cheryl Levitt
cilevitt@gmail.com
6. Kimberly Skolnick
skolnick@earthlink.net
7. Debbie Fisher
jfisher4@san.rr.com
Debbies daughter, Jennifer, shared her Bat Mitzvah with Talia Goodman.

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Mazal Tov

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