GRADE 7

Our Grade 7 curriculum delves deeply into Jewish values through the study of tzedakah, belief in God, and Torah as a guideline for living. Throughout the year, students have the opportunity to explore their own beliefs and ideas while learning what Judaism has to say on each matter. We also encourage our 7th graders to participate in the Temple’s many tzedakah projects throughout the year, helping local organizations such as Midnight Run, Feeding Westchester and The Sharing Community. In Hebrew, the students continue to work on the Shabbat morning liturgy, with an eye towards leading their own bar/bat mitzvah service. In small group settings, and often one-on-one tutoring, the students complete mastery of these prayers as well as a Torah and Haftarah portion, suited specifically for each child. 

Click below to access .mp3 files of all the blessings and prayers the students will need for their Bar/Bat Mitzvah. Students should download these files to their cell phones and/or iPods, so that they can practice both in Religious School and at home.

PLANNING THE B’NEI MITZVAH

  • Our teaching team will be in touch with you to schedule individual lessons for your child at the beginning of the school year.

  • The Rabbi and Cantor will reach out to your family about 2 months before to discuss plans for your service.

  • The Temple office will then be in touch with you about logistics and details.

  • The Temple will provide links 1 month ahead to livestream the service.

  • Bar/Bat Mitzvah receptions at the Temple may be held at the Temple, based on scheduling availability. Please contact the Temple office to guarantee availability, and be in touch with the office as soon as possible regarding all such plans and any questions you may have.

  • If yarmulkes have been ordered, please bring them to the Temple by Friday evening.

WHAT TO EXPECT FRIDAY NIGHT

  • Although most Friday night services start at 7:30 p.m., some will begin earlier based on special programming.

  • Your family should plan to arrive 15 minutes prior to the start of services.

  • Services begin with Cantor Robin lighting the Shabbat candles. Typically, the mother of the Bar/Bat Mitzvah says the blessing over the candles. Afterwards, the Bar/Bat Mitzvah chants the Kiddush (and takes a sip of wine from the Kiddush cup that will be presented to them the following morning!)

  • Immediate family sits in the front row, on both Friday night and Saturday morning.

  • All Grade 7 families are encouraged to attend these Friday night services.

WHAT TO EXPECT SATURDAY MORNING (IN PERSON AND REMOTE)

  • All services, unless otherwise arranged, start promptly at 10:30 a.m. and end around 11:45 a.m., give or take.

  • Your family should arrive at the Temple no later than 10:00 a.m.

  • Using a Photographer?

    • NO PICTURE-TAKING, FILMING OR RECORDING OF ANY KIND IS PERMITTED DURING THE SERVICE.

    • You and your photographer may be here as early as 9:00 a.m. to take photos before the ceremony.

    • All picture-taking must end by 10:00 a.m. (and may resume after the ceremony.)

    • We also ask that cell phones and other electronic devices be turned off during the service.

  • Honors for family members:

    • Up to six Aliyot, not including the Bar/Bat Mitzvah. Please speak with the Rabbi to plan these.

  • It is a tradition at Temple Beth Shalom for one or both of the Bar/Bat Mitzvah’s parents to give a speech to their child during the service. Parents should consult with the Rabbi in advance regarding this.

IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO HAVE A RECEPTION AT THE TEMPLE...

Please contact the Temple office at (914) 479-5360 to clear availability and make arrangements.

SHABBAT DINNER + SERVICE

Each class has the opportunity to gather as a grade for a Shabbat service and dinner.

PARENT VOLUNTEERS NEEDED

We are also looking for Religious School Class Parents in all grades. We appreciate your input and invite you to share talents, interests, hobbies, and professions. We also need your help with Tzedakah projects.

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