Our goal is to have the Bar/Bat Mitzvah program strengthen your relationship and your child’s relationship to the synagogue and to the teachings of Judaism. We are deeply committed and will do everything in our power to support you throughout the process. We will work with all children based upon their unique abilities and needs.
Bar/Bat Mitzvah students will receive 28 tutoring sessions. They meet for 8 weeks in small groups of 2-4. Students are grouped together according to their Bar/Bat Mitzvah dates on a rotating basis throughout the year. These sessions are used to perfect the required blessings and prayers as well and Torah cantillation (trope). The students also work with assigned tutors on their Torah and Haftorah portions and the Rabbi to develop their D’var Torah.
The Bar/Bat Mitzvah ceremonies are meaningful and joyous occasions for the families and for our entire community.
Students in our YESh program are automatically enrolled in the Bar/Bat Mitzvah program and have the dates of their simchas assigned at a special ceremony in the 5th grade. Temple Shalom members can register for YESh here. If you need more information for membership, please visit our Join page for your application. Additionally, you can email to arrange for a meeting with the Cantor or Rabbi.
Bar/Bat Mitzvah families and friends have the opportunity to enhance their celebration in many ways:
Sponsor the bimah decorations. You can add flowers in your choice of colors and you might like to add Mitzvah food baskets.
Call us at 239-455-3030 to make arrangements or fill out and return the Bimah and Oneg Selections Form.
Another way to commemorate your special day is with an engraved paver brick in the Temple Shalom Tribute Garden.
You can order and customize your brick here.
A leaf on the Tree of Life in the Sanctuary is a beautiful way to commemorate your family's simcha (celebration).
You can order your Tree of Life Dedication here.
Dedicating your child's Torah portion in the Illustrated Torah is a meaningful way to memorialize your Bar/Bat Mitzvah celebration. You may also choose to dedicate a word or a special verse.This beautiful Torah created by Israeli Artist, Michal Meron, features limited edition giclée prints that represent the stories of the Torah and will be featured in the Sancturary.
Order your dedication here.
For any Judaica gifts or items you might need for the Bar/Bat Mitzvah (personal yad, tallit for boys and girls, kiddush cup, and more) please contact templeshalomsisterhood@gmail.com or check current hours at the Sisterhood Judaica Shop, the only Judaica shop in all of Greater Naples.
Sponsor the Oneg on Friday night. Contact amaner@naplestemple.org to make arrangements.
You can also make donations in honor of a Bar or Bat Mitzvah to one of Temple Shalom's Funds. A notice of your gift will be sent to your honoree and acknowledgment will be published in The Voice.
