B'nai Mitzvah Family Obligations

In addition to the normal yearly fees of dues, religious school, capital assessment and, where applicable, Building Fund, you should anticipate the following expenses:

1. a) A Bar/Bat Mitzvah fee, which is set annually by the congregation. This one-time fee is inclusive; there are no further fees for regular Bar/Bat Mitzvah instruction, custodial services or other Temple support. This fee is billed the fiscal year following the one in which you receive your date assignment. Fees for an extended Kiddush, or building rental are additional and are billed during the fiscal year in which your simcha occurs.
   You must be current in all financial obligations at least six weeks prior to your Bar/Bat Mitzvah date.

Additional expenses you may incur:

1. a) Extended Kiddush – A simple Kiddush of wine and challah is provided by the congregation: you may wish to expand.
2. b) Oneg Shabbat – if you wish to participate in the sponsorship of the Oneg Shabbat on the Erev Shabbat prior to the Shabbat service
3. c) Kippot (if being personalized)
4. d) Fee for use of Social Hall and kitchen for private reception
5. e) Contributions to a Temple fund in honor of the occasion

To assure that your family and friends feel welcome and to give each family the opportunity to help another family, each Bar/Bat Mitzvah family is expected to serve as ushers at two or three Bar/Bat Mitzvah services, at least one to be completed prior to your child’s becoming a Bar/Bat Mitzvah.  Ushers are expected to greet worshipers, seat latecomers and maintain decorum during the service.  Following the service, they collect books; pass out wine, white grape juice and challah.  The Bar/Bat Mitzvah Kiddush Committee contacts you several months before your simcha to attend a meeting at which your responsibilities are explained in detail and dates for helping will be selected.

Please remember that all students must be enrolled in and attending Machane TBA, or arrangements made with the Education Director Kim Roberts, in order to begin the bar/bat mitzvah process.