B’Mitzvah journey
As a family, you are about to experience one of the most significant Jewish spiritual
adventures of your lifetime. Your child's B'Mitzvah journey is deeply emotional, filled with hope, some nervousness, and mostly joy. At Or Ami, our rabbis, B'Mitzvah teacher, and entire staff are honored to walk alongside you every step of the way as we create something truly uplifting together.
B’mitzvah timeline
Preparing for a B'Mitzvah takes hard work, dedication, and commitment. But the journey itself is transformative,
for your child and for you whole family. We are here to guide you every step of the way.
12 Months prior
Begin Mitzvah Project
9-12 Months prior
Begin Taste of BMitzvah Class. Contact B'Mitzvah Coordinator to find our when your student's class begins.
8 Months prior
Receive assignment from tutor
Choose verses from Torah portion
Call Icela Alcala to discuss Friday night service responsibilities.
Call our Accounting Department, to discuss the various fees.
7 Months prior
Begin individual tutoring.
4 months prior
Meet with D'var Torah (speech) Coach.
Schedule an appointment with the Rabbi for a family meeting.
Buy a tallit and kippah to wear at
the service.
3 months prior
Meet with Rabbi to finish D'var Torah (speech)
1 months prior
Schedule meeting with the Cantorial Soloist 1-2 weeks prior to the service.
1-2 Weeks prior
Schedule rehearsal with Rabbi in person at the synagogue.
1 Week prior
Provide Rabbi with copy of parent (1 page, double-spaced) speeches for approval.
Provide Icela Alcala with alphabetized guest list.
Friday night before a saturday ceremony
Attend Shabbat services: B'Mitzvah leads a prayer, and the family lights Shabbat candles.
Family sponsors Oneg desserts.
Day of b'mitzvah celebration
Don't worry (we are here! Be happy! Breathe and enjoy!!
Hear from our congregation
"As a young man, I did not have a Bar Mitzvah. However, after joining Congregation Or Ami, I saw an announcement about an adult B'Mitvah program. I immediately signed up for the two year program. Over the next two years, I learned to read and speak Hebrew, chant the Torah, and recite and sing many of the key Jewish Prayers. My studies culminated in a powerful and moving Bar Mitzvah with my family and new found classmates."
"Working with Rabbi Paul, Lisa, and the entire Or Ami team for Eva’s Bat Mitzvah was an experience our family will always treasure. From the very beginning, everything felt thoughtful, organized, and deeply personal. Eva was encouraged to be herself every step of the way, which gave her the confidence to truly shine on the bimah."
"As a young man, I did not have a Bar Mitzvah. However, after joining Congregation Or Ami, I saw an announcement about an adult B'Mitvah program. I immediately signed up for the two year program. Over the next two years, I learned to read and speak Hebrew, chant the Torah, and recite and sing many of the key Jewish Prayers. My studies culminated in a powerful and moving Bar Mitzvah with my family and new found classmates."
"Working with Rabbi Paul, Lisa, and the entire Or Ami team for Eva’s Bat Mitzvah was an experience our family will always treasure. From the very beginning, everything felt thoughtful, organized, and deeply personal. Eva was encouraged to be herself every step of the way, which gave her the confidence to truly shine on the bimah."
"As a young man, I did not have a Bar Mitzvah. However, after joining Congregation Or Ami, I saw an announcement about an adult B'Mitvah program. I immediately signed up for the two year program. Over the next two years, I learned to read and speak Hebrew, chant the Torah, and recite and sing many of the key Jewish Prayers. My studies culminated in a powerful and moving Bar Mitzvah with my family and new found classmates."
"Working with Rabbi Paul, Lisa, and the entire Or Ami team for Eva’s Bat Mitzvah was an experience our family will always treasure. From the very beginning, everything felt thoughtful, organized, and deeply personal. Eva was encouraged to be herself every step of the way, which gave her the confidence to truly shine on the bimah."
"As a young man, I did not have a Bar Mitzvah. However, after joining Congregation Or Ami, I saw an announcement about an adult B'Mitvah program. I immediately signed up for the two year program. Over the next two years, I learned to read and speak Hebrew, chant the Torah, and recite and sing many of the key Jewish Prayers. My studies culminated in a powerful and moving Bar Mitzvah with my family and new found classmates."
"Working with Rabbi Paul, Lisa, and the entire Or Ami team for Eva’s Bat Mitzvah was an experience our family will always treasure. From the very beginning, everything felt thoughtful, organized, and deeply personal. Eva was encouraged to be herself every step of the way, which gave her the confidence to truly shine on the bimah."
"Working with Rabbi Paul, Lisa, and the entire Or Ami team for Eva’s Bat Mitzvah was an experience our family will always treasure. From the very beginning, everything felt thoughtful, organized, and deeply personal. Eva was encouraged to be herself every step of the way, which gave her the confidence to truly shine on the bimah."
"As a young man, I did not have a Bar Mitzvah. However, after joining Congregation Or Ami, I saw an announcement about an adult B'Mitvah program. I immediately signed up for the two year program. Over the next two years, I learned to read and speak Hebrew, chant the Torah, and recite and sing many of the key Jewish Prayers. My studies culminated in a powerful and moving Bar Mitzvah with my family and new found classmates."
"Working with Rabbi Paul, Lisa, and the entire Or Ami team for Eva’s Bat Mitzvah was an experience our family will always treasure. From the very beginning, everything felt thoughtful, organized, and deeply personal. Eva was encouraged to be herself every step of the way, which gave her the confidence to truly shine on the bimah."
"As a young man, I did not have a Bar Mitzvah. However, after joining Congregation Or Ami, I saw an announcement about an adult B'Mitvah program. I immediately signed up for the two year program. Over the next two years, I learned to read and speak Hebrew, chant the Torah, and recite and sing many of the key Jewish Prayers. My studies culminated in a powerful and moving Bar Mitzvah with my family and new found classmates."