A B’nai Mitzvah is one of the most exciting and meaningful moments in our religious and spiritual lives. It is a powerful celebration that brings together family, friends and community to witness the end of early childhood and the beginning of the path towards adulthood.

Though a b’nai mitzvah is a one day event, it takes years to prepare for it. Much of what we know a b’mitzvah to be is merely tradition. There are no hard and fast rules about what must happen and at FJC, we do not have one way that they all must look. We are happy to chat with you about crafting a ceremony that is as traditional or as out of the box as you would like it to be—the most important aspect is that it represents your child’s Jewish journey.

Preteens approaching b’nai mitzvah age (6th grade) are strongly encouraged to enroll in our B’nai Mitzvah Program, which consists of weekly study: a two-hour-long “Pre-Mitz” class that meets on Thursday and a 90-minute individual tutoring session, which may be scheduled during the week. The program also recommends that students complete a Mitzvah Project of their own choosing.

Timeline

• 2 years out: Schedule date with FJC office and reserve spaces on the calendar
• 1 year out: Choose your mitzvah project
• 9mo-1 year out: Begin B’Mitz classes
• 6 months out: Confirm plans with FJC office for meals and catering (Friday night dinner? Shabbat luncheon? Party?)
• 5 months out: Begin attending FJC Shabbat Services
• 4 months out: D’var Torah prep
• 1 month out: work with Rabbi Lev to decide honors for service
• 2 weeks out: finalize details with FJC office (availability of space for setup, food delivery times, coordination with caterers, etc…)

“Pre-Mitz” Class (2025-2026)

When: Thursday, 3:30–5:30 PM (see our 2025-2026 school year calendar)
Teacher: Ran Livneh

Students will study Jewish values and what it means to be a “Jewish adult.” They will learn about the Torah service and the Amidah, and delve into the origins of prayer, kavanah (intention), and the reasons we daven as Jews. They may also learn how to lead parts of Shabbat morning services.

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One-on-One Tutoring

Depending on the type of service you would like to have, we have several options for B’Mitz prep. Students enrolled in FJC Hebrew School can work 1:1 with our teachers who can help with the following:

• Leyning one or more aliyot during Torah service
• Learning the Aliyah blessing
• Chanting the Haftorah
• Writing and delivering a D’var Torah
• Leading Musaf

We are open to supporting our students in learning to lead and participate in as much of the service as they would like.

Our teachers can also work with our non-Hebrew school students. Our FJC community is blessed to have many gifted teachers in it who we can connect you with for B’Mitz tutoring.

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Mitzvah Project

Students can use what they have learned at FJC Hebrew School to design a project that addresses an area of the world that they feel passionate about fixing. They’ll incorporate what they learned about the area of social justice, as well as other Jewish values, and about themselves into their D’var Torah.

Need ideas? Check out “How to Choose a Mitzvah Project” from My Jewish Learning and “Project Ideas” from the Religion Action Center.

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Financial Responsibilities

We ask that all families make a donation of $300 to the shul for all b’nai mitzvot that will be held in our space.
Additional fees may be associated with setup/cleanup, security and/or door person (contact the FJC Office for current rates). Rental fees will be associated with space rental outside of Shabbat at the following rates:

Rentals include access to*

• 10 | 8-10 person round tables
• 10 | 8 person rectangle tables
• Indoor/outdoor folding chairs
• Indoor chairs

Notes

*additional fees may apply for setup/cleanup; security; door person

^Space is fully accessible (elevator in building)

+Kitchen is under the supervision of Rabbi Heather Miller and only approved Kosher caterers and purveyors may be used. Contact the FJC office for a list of approved purveyors.

If you choose to hold a kiddush or luncheon following the service, we can help you coordinate those details. All costs of the oneg will be the responsibility of the b’mitzvah family. Additional fees may be associated with the use of FJC flatware, place settings. We do have a limited number of decorations, cloth tablecloths and napkins available for use—please contact the FJC Office for the current inventory.

B’nai Mitzvah Program Tuition (2025-2026)
$2,050*/member
$2,500*/nonmember

*A 10% sibling discount can be applied if registering more
than one child in the B. Mitz Program and/or Hebrew School.

Please contact Education Director Hye mee Moon with any questions.