Bar/Bat Mitzvah Guidelines and Policies

Defining Your Heritage
Chabad recognizes any child born to a Jewish mother as Jewish. If a child’s mother or maternal grandmother was converted to Judaism through a recognized orthodox bet din that meet the standards of the Chief Rabbinate of Israel.
Determining the date and Torah Portion
Traditionally, the Bar/Bat Mitzvah services occur on the Monday, Thursday, Shabbat, or Rosh Chodesh following Hebrew birthday. You may choose a more convenient weekend as long as it is after the Hebrew birth date. Click Here To find out your child's exact Hebrew birthday. Torah portions in Israel differ than the portion in the united states.

Membership
To ensure positive meaning and lasting significance in the Bar Mitzvah celebration, Chabad of at Monterra requires membership for the family of a Bar Mitzvah for a minimum of the year of the Bar Mitzvah. In addition, families are to attend Shabbat services at least twice per month in the four months prior to the Bar Mitzvah. Click Here for Chabad Membership
BAM Bar Mitzvah training
A Bar Mitzvah marks a Jewish male’s commitment to his community. We require our students to attend Bar Mitzvah BAM Bar Mitzvah Training from the 6th grade through Bar Mitzvah. During this time your son will enhance his Hebrew reading skills and gain a basic knowledge about Judaism and general Judaic ideas related to Bar Mitzvah.
Additional Weekly Private Lessons
In addition to the Bar Mitzvah Training program we do offer private lesson for our students that feel they might need some extra help. Lessons are given by Rabbi Aharon or Rabbi Adi. Lessons are approximately 1/2 hour and cost $45 per lesson.
Receiving Tefillin
To prepare for his new role as an active member of the adult Jewish community, the Bar Mitzvah boy should receive a pair of Kosher Tefillen at least two weeks prior to his 13th Hebrew Birthday. Tefillen and personalized Tefillen bags can be ordered through the Chabad office. Used Tefillen that will be being passed down to the bar mitzvah boy must be checked and certified by a Sofer (scribe).
Ceremony
All Bar Mitzvah ceremonies are officiated at our location. We provide tables, Chairs, Synagogue items etc. Families are free to decorate the synagogue as they wish. Should you prefer another venue for the services it is the family's responsibility to provide all the appropriate equipment and cover all additional costs for the Rabbi and Rebbitzen. Shabbat and out of state ceremonies are not guaranteed to be attended and officiated by Rabbi Adi.
Catering
Chabad allows all Caterers under a proper rabbinical authority. The Chabad catering is not always available. Families are responsible for cutlery, cups, drinks, table cloths etc. Any dairy catering must be certified Chalav Yisrael and breads must be Pas Yisrael. All products and outside vendors must be confirmed by Chabad.
Ceremony Expenses
$100......... Monthly Membership (other options are: $54, $100, $180 $360, $540)
$400......... Teffilin (Basic pair - other options available)
$180 ........ Tree of life plaque (an everlasting leaf on our tree of life)
$150 ........ Maintenance (Cleaning before and after celebration)
$100 ......... Deposit (reserve the date)
$540 ........ Recommended minimum donation to Chabad
Catering, Decor, novelties, and all additional expenses are the responsibility of the family.

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