The first step in arranging for a Bar/Bat Mitzvah with our congregation is a chat with our rabbi, arranged through email at: rabbi@torat-hayyim.org.il.   We will arrange a conference call between the parents, the Bar/Bat Mitzvah, our rabbi.  A detailed account of the process will be discussed and we will answer all your questions. The basic points are as follows:

• The period of individual preparation is 4 months at minimum.  Very rarely do we celebrate a Bar/Bat Mitzvah in less time. While a Bar/Bat Mitzvah cannot be brought forward there is no problem with holding it a little later than the actual birthday.
   
• In consultation with the parents the rabbi will determine the date of the aliyyah to the Torah and which portion will be read.  This is almost always Maftir and Haftarah unless the family wants something different.
   
• There is no fee for a KBY Associate of our congregation except for the small regular use of facilities fee, payable by everyone.
   
• The rabbi recommends a Bar/Bat Mitzvah tutor, to help insure the proper preparation of the young adult.
   
• It is the expectation of the congregation that during this period of study the Bar-Mitzvah and his parents will attend services at our synagogue as regularly as possible, of course at your home congregation.
   
• In order that the family become acquainted with our way of doing things and so that on the day everything will be familiar, the rabbi will arrange a meeting a few days before the Bar/Bat Mitzvah to review the service.   It is preferred but not required that the family attend services the Shabbat prior to the Bar/Bat Mitzvah to make sure everyone feels comfortable and so that the congregation can meet you and more fully join in your happiness on the day.
   
• On the day of the Bar/Bat Mitzvah the family invites the whole congregation to kiddush after the service.  When the time comes the person responsible for organizing kiddushim in our community will give explanations and advice.