Introduction to B'nai Mitzvah
Dear Valley Beth Shalom B’nai Mitzvah Families,
We are delighted to begin the B’nai Mitzvah journey with you and your child(ren). This is a pivotal moment in your Jewish lives - a milestone, a rite of passage, and a cherished tradition throughout the generations.
As a B'nai Mitzvah family, you can expect a meaningful, smooth, and memorable experience at Valley Beth Shalom, supported by our clergy, staff and lay leaders at every step. Our B’nai Mitzvah program is a cohort-based model: you will join with 10-15 other families at designated times throughout the year, engaging in special educational and social programs with our clergy and with each other. Through this format, we hope you will build close connections and friendships, while also having an opportunity to support one another.
Our B’nai Mitzvah students will become deeply familiar with some of our tradition’s most central Shabbat prayers; learn to chant Torah; engage in a Mitzvah Project; study the meaning of their Torah portion and examine its relevance to their own lives; and write and present their own D’var Torah (speech). We hope that throughout this process, our students will also learn about themselves, their interests and passions, and their connection to their Jewish heritage.
Skills training will be one-on-one, individualized and tailored to meet the needs of each student, with our team of expert tutors. Our B’nai Mitzvah Coordinator will be your point of contact for all logistical questions and planning. Our clergy are here for you every step of the way, to guide our students as well as their parents through this soul-fulfilling journey.
Please do not hesitate to reach out to us at any time. We are looking forward to sharing this beautiful experience with you and your family. Mazal Tov!
B’shalom,
Rabbi Nolan Lebovitz, Senior Rabbi
Rabbi Ed Feinstein
Cantor Jacqueline Rafii, Senior Cantor and B’nai Mitzvah Director
Cantor Phil Baron
Cantor Herschel Fox
Lisa Leib, B'nai Mitzvah Coordinator and Clergy Department Manager
Matthew Weintraub, Executive Director
B'nai Mitzvah @ VBS
Mazal Tov!
The B'nai Mitzvah is one of the most important lifecycle events in the life of the Jewish family, celebrating the moment form which a Jew is afforded the greater responsibilities and privileges of adulthood. A child's B'nai Mitzvah has power and meaning for the whole family, as it heralds the passing of Jewish tradition onto another generation.
B'nai Mitzvah Program for Prospective Students
Valley Beth Shalom offers a robust B'nai Mitzvah Program for children and their families.
Let us guide you on your journey to becoming a B'nai Mitzvah. Our dedicated B'nai Mitzvah team will provide the teaching, tutoring and preparation for your big day. Our B'nai Mitzvah Guide contains a detailed timeline of events and expectations to ensure your family's success on your momentous occasion.
Please contact our B'nai Mitzvah Coordinator
Lisa Leib
(818) 530-4085
lleib@vbs.org
B'nai Mitzvah Resources
Prayers and Blessings:
Info and Resources:
- B'nai Mitzvah Decorum
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CONTACT
Cantor Jacqueline Rafii
Senior Cantor and B’nai Mitzvah Director
jrafii@vbs.org
Lisa Leib
B'nai Mitzvah Coordinator and Clergy Department Manager
lleib@vbs.org | (818) 530-4085
