Bnei Mitzvah
Bnei Mitzvah
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Embedded Files
What does it mean to become Bnei Mitzvah?
Every person over the age of 13 has become Bnei Mitzvah. Bnei Mitzvah means Children of the Commandment, Bat Mitzvah means Daughter of the Commandment, and Bar Mitzvah means Son of the Commandment. Until that point in time, parents are responsible the child's relationship with the Divine and for any of the child's transgressions. Once the child becomes Bnei Mitzvah, they take on this responsibility themselves and are in effect an adult within the Jewish Community.
Even if the child does not read from the Torah, the moment they turn 13, they become Bnei Mitzvah.
Every person over the age of 13 has become Bnei Mitzvah. Bnei Mitzvah means Children of the Commandment, Bat Mitzvah means Daughter of the Commandment, and Bar Mitzvah means Son of the Commandment. Until that point in time, parents are responsible the child's relationship with the Divine and for any of the child's transgressions. Once the child becomes Bnei Mitzvah, they take on this responsibility themselves and are in effect an adult within the Jewish Community.
Even if the child does not read from the Torah, the moment they turn 13, they become Bnei Mitzvah.
Can girls, boys and non-binary children become Bnei Mitzvah?
Yes, anyone can celebrate a Bnei Mitzvah ceremony, regardless of gender. We are happy to work with the parents and students to create a celebration that suits your personal needs.
Yes, anyone can celebrate a Bnei Mitzvah ceremony, regardless of gender. We are happy to work with the parents and students to create a celebration that suits your personal needs.
Do you work with special needs students?
Yes, we do! We have extensive experience with Special Needs Students, including ADHD, ASD and dyslexia. Every person, regardless of any special needs, are able to make their Bnei Mitzvah. We specialise in tailoring the Bnei Mitzvah service to the needs of the student.
Yes, we do! We have extensive experience with Special Needs Students, including ADHD, ASD and dyslexia. Every person, regardless of any special needs, are able to make their Bnei Mitzvah. We specialise in tailoring the Bnei Mitzvah service to the needs of the student.
At what age should my child celebrate their Bnei Mitzvah?
Traditionally, boys become Bar Mitzvah at 13 and girls reach Bat Mitzvah at 12. However, many Progressive communities choose 13 years as the Bnei Mitzvah age for any gender. At the same time, family circumstances can dictate that the reading of the child's Torah portion gets postponed. At The Jewish Educator, we are flexible and able to work with the needs of your family.
Traditionally, boys become Bar Mitzvah at 13 and girls reach Bat Mitzvah at 12. However, many Progressive communities choose 13 years as the Bnei Mitzvah age for any gender. At the same time, family circumstances can dictate that the reading of the child's Torah portion gets postponed. At The Jewish Educator, we are flexible and able to work with the needs of your family.
What languages do you teach in?
We teach in English or Dutch, depending on the needs of the students
We teach in English or Dutch, depending on the needs of the students
What is the gender of your teachers?
All our teachers are female. If you observe Kol Ishah, our Torah chanting classes are not suitable for your needs.
All our teachers are female. If you observe Kol Ishah, our Torah chanting classes are not suitable for your needs.
I am an adult. Can I become Bnei Mitzvah?
Anyone past the age of 13 years has become Bnei Mitzvah. This means that you are considered responsible for your relationship with the Divine from that age onwards. But the good news is that anyone can learn how to read Torah, and celebrate this in a family or synagogue setting. This is often referred to as an Adult Bnei Mitzvah. We would be happy to help you explore these options!
Anyone past the age of 13 years has become Bnei Mitzvah. This means that you are considered responsible for your relationship with the Divine from that age onwards. But the good news is that anyone can learn how to read Torah, and celebrate this in a family or synagogue setting. This is often referred to as an Adult Bnei Mitzvah. We would be happy to help you explore these options!
How long does it take to study for a Bnei Mitzvah?
It really depends on the student, how much work they put in, and how much previous knowledge the student has. The absolute minimum is 6 months of weekly lessons, but a much better approach would be 9 to 12 months before the Bnei Mitzvah date.
It really depends on the student, how much work they put in, and how much previous knowledge the student has. The absolute minimum is 6 months of weekly lessons, but a much better approach would be 9 to 12 months before the Bnei Mitzvah date.
Are you able to support a destination Bnei Mitzvah?
Yes, we do - though this obviously will depend on the location and previous commitments. Be in touch with us for details.
Yes, we do - though this obviously will depend on the location and previous commitments. Be in touch with us for details.
Do I have to be able to sing my Torah portion?
Many students like to chant (sing) their Torah portion, but that is not a requirement at all. At The Jewish Educator, we teach the Western Ashkenazi Torah trope, and we warmly encourage chanting. However, we are happy to support students who prefer not to sing.
Many students like to chant (sing) their Torah portion, but that is not a requirement at all. At The Jewish Educator, we teach the Western Ashkenazi Torah trope, and we warmly encourage chanting. However, we are happy to support students who prefer not to sing.
Do we need to hire a Rabbi?
Well, that depends on you and your family's wishes. It is not actually necessary to have a Rabbi present for a Bnei Mitzvah, we regularly support students during their service without a Rabbie there. Many students do prefer to have a Rabbi present to officiate the service, and we are experienced in working with different Rabbis to facilitate your needs.
Well, that depends on you and your family's wishes. It is not actually necessary to have a Rabbi present for a Bnei Mitzvah, we regularly support students during their service without a Rabbie there. Many students do prefer to have a Rabbi present to officiate the service, and we are experienced in working with different Rabbis to facilitate your needs.
Where are you based and what is your time zone?
Our teachers are based in Ireland, and our time zone is Irish Standard Time. This is the same time zone as London, UK.
Our teachers are based in Ireland, and our time zone is Irish Standard Time. This is the same time zone as London, UK.
Do you provide a Torah scroll?
Yes, if you would like The Jewish Educator to facilitate the service, we are more than happy to provide a Torah scroll.
Yes, if you would like The Jewish Educator to facilitate the service, we are more than happy to provide a Torah scroll.
What if the student doesn't know how to read Hebrew?
That is no problem whatsoever, provided there is enough time until the Bnei Mitzvah to learn the Aleph Bet as well as the Torah portion. We regularly give Aleph Bet classes in group setting as well as private classes.
That is no problem whatsoever, provided there is enough time until the Bnei Mitzvah to learn the Aleph Bet as well as the Torah portion. We regularly give Aleph Bet classes in group setting as well as private classes.
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