B’nai Mitzvah at MVHC
Information to Frequently Asked Questions
Choosing a Date
Choose a date by filling out the Date Request Form and sending it to the Office with copies to the Rabbi and Education Director. This date is conditional on the successful fulfillment of the Shabbat and holiday service requirements. The form must be accompanied by a progress plan on service attendance signed by the Education Director. You will receive a confirmation of the date from the office. It is understood that the student commits to completing their final year in Hebrew School even if the Bar or Bat Mitzvah takes place before the end of the Hebrew School year. Shabbat and Holiday Service RequirementsTwo years before the Bar/Bat Mitzvah service, students are required to attend two Shabbat or holiday services per month for nine months. During the year before the Bar/Bat Mitzvah service, students are required to attend three Shabbat or holiday services per month for 9 months. Two of those services must be on a Shabbat or holiday morning. In other words, over the course of the year before the Bar/Bat Mitzvah service, the student must come to 27 services. Rosh Hashanah morning, Kol Nidrei, and Yom Kippur morning are a required part of those 27 services. Students are requested to come on time and to dress appropriately for the occasion. Tutoring
Planning the Service
for all expressions of blessing and personal words from family. Beyond that, family and friends are welcome to continue with personal words at the Kiddush or party. Shabbat Etiquette at MVHC Services We try to keep the synagogue and the sanctuary a special and holy place over Shabbat and holidays. Regardless of our home practices, we therefore join to make the sanctuary a place that reflects a Shabbat of connection, holiness, prayer and rest. Therefore, please let your guests know that there is no photography permitted during the service. Use of cell phones and/or electronic devices are not permitted anywhere inside the synagogue or outside the front entrance on Shabbat and holidays. Please refrain from writing in the sanctuary on Shabbat or holidays. Please assign two ushers to pass out prayer books and to help seat people. Oneg and Kiddush
Contribution It is a Jewish custom to express gratitude to the community for life-cycle events with contributions that help maintain the community. Please consider a contribution to the synagogue in honor of your child's Bar/Bat Mitzvah. Bar and Bat Mitzvah Checklist
Payments and Deposit Dues and school tuition must be paid in full at least three months before event. A fee is required two months prior to event ( $350- $500). This fee includes extra set up for the service, the sound engineer, and the cleanup of the social hall after the Kiddush and the Oneg. Any additional costs will be billed two weeks after the b’nai mitzvah. Parent Signature Date Martha's Vineyard Hebrew Center Mailing address: P.O. Box 692 Vineyard Haven, MA 02568 (tel) 508-693-0745 (fax) 508-693-1350 |
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