Bar Mitzvah Guidelines and Policies
Initial Meeting:
Prior to the Bar Mitzvah, families will have a one time meeting with Rabbi Adi to go through all the logistics to meet the needs of each individual family.
For more information and to book an appointment, please e-mail: [email protected].
Who can have a Bar Mitzvah?: 
Chabad at Monterra proudly offers Bar Mitzvah services to any boy who is born only to a Mother that was born Jewish or has been through an approved Orthodox conversion. If you have any questions or concerns about our Bar Mitzvah services, please do not hesitate to reach out to us. We are always here to help and support our community in any way we can.
Determining the date and Torah Portion:
Traditionally, the Bar 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 family membership for 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.
Bar Mitzvah Club Training:
The Bar Mitzvah Club is a weekly program that offers a well rounded and fun experience in preparing your son for his special day. The Bar Mitzvah Club offers an opportunity to prepare for a boys Bar Mitzvah together with friends on a general level and also one on one preparation with the Rabbi geared toward their specific Torah portion. The Bar Mitzvah Club meets on Mondays from 5:00 P.M. - 6:30 P.M..
Additional Weekly Private Lessons:
Additional weekly private lessons are only offered to those students that are enrolled in the Bar Mitzvah Club Training and seeking extra assistance.
Receiving Tefillen:
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 & Services:
We encourage Bar Mitzvah services to be held on a weekday when the Torah is taken out. This is a Monday, Thursday or Rosh Chodesh. This will allow for a more intimate service and less restrictions. Traditionally, the family will also hold a service on the following Shabbat for the community. 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. Any candies brought in must be Kosher certified. All products and outside vendors must be confirmed by Chabad.
*Any additional personalizations will be discussed at the initial meeting. For more questions and info. please contact Chabad at Monterra at: 954-306-6064.*