Our 2024-2025 Membership Pledging Season is upon us! Please click here to make your pledge today!
In order to prepare a young person appropriately for a Bar/Bat Mitzvah, it is important that a he/she receives an adequate Jewish education and that the child and her/his family become a part of a congregation prior to the Bar/Bat Mitzvah period. In this way, the Bar/Bat Mitzvah is as an integral part of a family’s relationship to their Judaism and their Jewish community.
In order to assure that the Bar/Bat Mitzvah is a meaningful experience for all involved, the Columbia Jewish Congregation has instituted the following policies regarding congregational membership, school enrollment and Bar/Bat Mitzvah preparation. In devising these policies the leadership of the congregation is well aware that congregational membership and school enrollment requires, not only a commitment of time and energy, but of finances as well. We will do everything possible to assist families in need, to enable them to join the congregation and enroll their child(ren) in the school. If you have concerns regarding finances, please contact the congregation’s treasurer and/or the school’s educational director to discuss these issues.
CJC’s policy for a young person’s eligibility for a Bar/Bat Mitzvah service requires:
In the event that a child is not enrolled in the School by the third grade or does not meet the educational requirements, the Rabbi and Educational Director will discuss the situation with the family and develop an individualized plan of study that will enable a child to achieve the education and skills necessary for Bar/Bat Mitzvah.
In a case where non-educational guidelines (i.e., attendance at service, membership in CJC, etc.) are not met, the Rabbi and a representative of the CJC Board will meet with the family to discuss the situation and arrive at a mutually satisfactory solution so that the child may continue towards Bar/Bat Mitzvah. It is understood that failure to follow any or all of the guidelines may result in a delay of the actual Bar/Bat Mitzvah ceremony beyond the age of 13. Please contact the Rabbi, educational director, or president as soon as possible, if you feel that you may have difficulty following any of the guidelines.
2021 B’nai Mitzvah Handbook
Copyright © 2024 Columbia Jewish Congregation. All rights reserved. Website designed by Addicott Web.