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FAQ’s When should we begin planning? Some families like to have things arranged months ahead of time, even up to a year. That is the best way to guarantee my availability and to insure you will be able to make a reservation at Robinson’s Arch or Masada, for example. With tourism happily on the upswing, the typical sites for Bar/Bat Mitzvahs fill up rather quickly. But if you’ve just decided and it is close to the date, I can work that out as well. You may need to demonstrate some flexibility with regard to the site. The minimum for a weekday celebration is reciting the aliyah blessing before and after the Torah. Many children learn to read the weekday Torah portion that is much shorter than the Shabbat reading. Keep in mind that the Haftorah, the prophetic portion is not chanted on a Monday or Thursday. Additionally, I find that it is very beneficial for the Bar/Bat Mitzvah to sit down and write a brief derasha. This process helps them to begin to digest and process the experience, express their feelings about Israel and this important transitional moment. Most simchas take place on Monday or Thursday, the days when the Torah is read. It is also possible to arrange a simcha at an Israeli synagogue on Shabbat, although that requires much more preparation time. Sometimes the Bar/Bat Mitzvah student learns the service with their tutor, or they know it from summer camp. Other times, siblings or parents lead the morning service, or parts of it. Of course, I am always more then happy to lead shacharit. Absolutely. There are certain prayers that can be chanted or read, and I’ll be happy to make suggestions. Your child needs to be prepared locally, by your rabbi, cantor or bar/bat mitzvah tutor. I will be in touch with them to make sure I know what your child is preparing, and to get other essential information regarding their progress. Occasionally, the Torah portion in Israel is NOT the same as the portion in the Diaspora. In order to prevent any mishaps I prefer to be in direct contact with your child's tutor. Many Bar/Bat Mitzvah students write a derasha-a short talk about their Torah portion and/or why they decided to have the simcha in Israel. I can provide links to websites and sample derashot from other Bnai Mitzvah. Frequently, I establish an e-mail dialogue with the Bar/Bat Mitzvah student as we work together going over ideas and the final talk. davidebstein@012.net.il 011-972-2-672-0322 |