Bar/Bat Mitzvah Services

For any other questions regarding the practical aspects of preparing for a Bar/ Bat Mitzvah, please feel free to contact the Rabbi or PJC Staff. In addition, families who have been through the B’nai Mitzvah experience at PJC can offer a wealth of information.

Ushering

B'nei Mitzvah families are required to usher for the Bar/Bat Mitzvah service immediately preceding their own. At least one adult should be present, and preferably two. Please arrive by 10:00 am for the 10:30 am service.

On the day you usher:

1. Check to assure challah has been cut, wine and juice poured, and all placed on trays;
2. Greet guests and hand each a prayer book and service handout;
3. Five minutes before service start (10:25), encourage guests to be seated;
4. Close the doors to the sanctuary;
5. Remain standing or sitting near the lobby doors;
6. Set up more chairs as needed (in the storage closet off of the Social Hall);
7. Please remind anyone (including teens) who is disruptive that he/she is here to support the Bar/Bat Mitzvah and family;
8. If necessary, remind those with a camera in hand that there is no still photography;
9. During the closing song, pass around challah, wine and juice to the congregation;

Invitations

It is PJC’s custom and policy to invite all the students in your child’s class to both service and reception.

Friday Night Oneg Shabbat

The Bar/Bat Mitzvah family is responsible for providing the oneg Shabbat for Friday evening.  In some years, the parents of the seventh grade class assist each other on these evenings.  This is a wonderful example of the heimish nature of Port Jewish Center.  Oneg Shabbat instructions will be provided to you in advance or are available in the PJC office.