Celebration and Gifts

We encourage families at Peninsula Temple Beth El to remember the meaning of the BE Mitzvah and to plan parties in the proper spirit. This is a sacred occasion that honors the achievement of a child and the passing on of an ancient tradition, and a ceremony that links the generations together.

In recent years, more and more families have included aspects of tzedakah in their party planning. Instead of flower arrangements, canned foods for Samaritan House can be used for table decorations. Or perhaps, you and your child would consider a donation to MAZON: A Jewish Response to Hunger, which raises funds by asking American Jews to contribute 3% of the cost of joyous celebrations (www.mazon.org).

The custom of gifts for the BE Mitzvah child developed around the presentation of a siddur and a tallit to the child. A student would offer comments on their Torah portion and receive derashah geschenk (sermon gifts) in the form of small sums of money. Today, children enjoy gifts from family and friends and consider their presents as rewards for study and diligence.

Tzedakah is a highly valued concept in Jewish life. Through donations a child takes an active step in affirming his/her responsibility to the Jewish community symbolized by the BE Mitzvah ceremony.

Temple Gift Shop

The temple’s Gift Shop is available to assist you with many of your needs, including choosing a tallit, imprinted yarmulkes, invitations, and a wide variety of Judaic gifts. Pam Abraham, BEW gift shop manager, would be happy to make an appointment with you. You may leave her a message or text her at 650.868-7205, or email her at pkashops@aol.com. Please support our BEW Gift Shop! All proceeds from Gift Shop’s sale will go towards the synagogue’s programs.

Flowers

Flowers are optional. We encourage our BE Mitzvah families to purchase plants, trees, or flowering bushes that can be replanted in our garden or yours. Please contact Ronnie Weisberg for suggestions. If you would like to include flowers on the bimah, they are to be placed on the benches in our copper pedestals on either side of the ark (cushions on benches are removable.) A floral arrangement should be approximately 3 feet tall and the container should fit into an 8”x 8” square insert. Decorations, flowers, or plants are not allowed on or near the reader’s table. Please refrain from using highly scented flowers, such as lilies and freesia, or herbs and greens, such as eucalyptus or bay leaves. Flowers should be delivered before 2:00 pm on Friday. (In observance of Shabbat, the temple closes on Fridays at 4:00 pm.) Contact Ronnie Weisberg with any other questions regarding flowers.