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Bar/Bat Mitzvah Preparations

Studies with Cantor Gale
Our Cantor, Daniel Gale, begins private lessons with our Bar/Bat Mitzvah students approximately one year before the Bar/Bat Mitzvah date. As part of our Religious School Fifth and Sixth Grade curriculum, each student will already have acquired skills such as Torah Blessings, Haftarah Blessings, and Torah / Haftarah trop (cantillation). Through attendance at Jr. Congregation from Grades Three through Six, students will already have learned the entire Shabbat Service service.

Private lessons
One year before the Bar/Bat Mitzvah date, the student and his/her parents meet with Cantor Gale to discuss their needs and expectations. The starting date for private lessons is based on specific needs and determined by the student and family.
Lessons with Cantor Gale are held on Tuesday and Thursday afternoons or early evenings. Lessons are scheduled for one half hour per week until the candidate requires a forty-five minute or one hour session. Please note that parents are encouraged to attend their child’s lessons.
Study time
Students are expected to study every day of the week for a minimum of thirty minutes. Additional study time is required as the event draws closer.

Private outside tutoring
Cantor Gale is responsible for teaching and tutoring all of our Bar/Bat Mitzvah students. If a student should require additional assistance in the skill of Hebrew reading, a qualified and approved tutor will be assigned by Cantor Gale. The cost of the tutor will be paid by the parents.

Preparation of Speech
Six weeks before the Bar/Bat Mitzvah, Rabbi Goldsmith meets with the student to help prepare the speech. This brief speech will be presented during the service. The number of meetings depends on the needs of the student. Some of this work may be done via email. Please make arrangements for these meetings by contacting Rabbi Goldsmith directly at rabbi@templebeth-el.net

Final Rehearsal
During the week prior to the Bar/Bat Mitzvah, Cantor Gale will conduct a final rehearsal with the Bar/Bat mitzvah student and family. Depending on the calendar, it might be necessary to schedule the final rehearsal two weeks in advance of the Bar/Bat Mitzvah.

Photographs
For those who would like a photography session to include Rabbi Goldsmith and Cantor Gale, they will be available to participate on Friday morning at 10:00 am prior to your Bar/Bat Mitzvah Shabbat. Please confirm this by contacting the Rabbi and Hazzan directly. Photography is not permitted on Shabbat in the Temple. Please contact the Temple Office for a list of photographers who are familiar with Bar/Bat Mitzvah photography.