Family Participation

There are many ways for parents and family members to participate, whether your child will be on the bimah by him/herself or will be paired with another student.

Parents, grandparents, and older siblings are encouraged to participate in passing the Torah from generation to generation.
Parents and adult family members of the Jewish faith may be called for an aliyah – the honor of saying the blessing before and after the Torah reading.
Parents who are not Jewish are full participants in our worship community. The blessing over the Torah is intended for those who are Jewish. For this blessing, we invite you to stand together as parents. You can also recite a Torah blessing intended for non-Jewish parents.
Families and friends are invited to ritually open and close the ark doors. Parents will be the ark attendants for the second opening and closing.
Families and friends may participate in G’lilah (the dressing of the Torah).
Parents can march in the Hakafah (circling with the Torah).
Parents are invited to speak personally to their child and offer him/her a blessing at the end of the service.

Parent Blessing Guidelines

As parents of the BE Mitzvah, you have a special opportunity to offer your child a blessing upon the occasion of this life-cycle event. The following prompts will guide you as you craft a blessing for your child.

In a few sentences, share with us the qualities and character traits of your child that make him or her unique and special.
Next, briefly describe why you are proud of them for becoming a BE Mitzvah and why this was important to you and your family.
Finally, offer your child your blessings and wishes for them as they continue along life’s path.

Please keep remarks brief and appropriate, no more than 5 minutes. Please provide the rabbi with a copy of your blessing in advance of the family rehearsal.