Having a B'nei Mitzvah is an experience in community. It is a statement that one is now ready to participate in the Jewish community as an adult. Havurah Shalom is built upon the active participation of all its members. We believe in passing on Jewish tradition to our children while continuing to learn ourselves.

In order to be true to these beliefs, the congregation requires timely active membership prior to this important family life cycle passage of is B’nei Mitzvah. A period of membership provides the opportunity for new member families to become part of the Havurah community so their child comes of age in an ongoing community and the family is held in this life passage.

Though this may delay the bar or bat mitzvah until the young person is in his or her mid-teens, we believe it takes a foundation of time in order to build strong community ties and create significant relationships. A B'nei Mitzvah is a significant event in the life of a young person. Religiously, B'nei Mitzvah are responsible for their moral actions. They also take their place of responsibility in the Jewish community by participating in Shabbat Services.

• B’nei Mitzvah Handbook  (PDF, updated May 2020)
• Additional Guidelines (PDF) for when your bar/bat mitzvah falls on a Shabbat School date
• Tutors & Musicians: For a current list, contact Rachel in the Havurah office at 503-248-4662 ext. 2.

Saturday Morning

• Order of Service – This valuable, editable chart walks you through each part of the Shabbat morning service, including page numbers in the siddur and suggestions for who can lead the various prayers. The chart is a companion to the music Havurah provides to B'nei Mitzvah.
• Deborah Eisenbach-Budner’s Illustrated Guide to a Shabbat Morning Service (PDF)
• Being called up for an aliyah is an honor. These are the words to the blessings before and after a Torah reading. You can listen to recordings of the blessings below:
  • Blessing before the Torah reading (mp3)
  • Blessing after the Torah reading (mp3)
• Goleil Instructions - The Goleil or Gelilah dresses the Torah when a reading is done.
• Magbiah Instructions - The Magbiah lifts the Torah scroll after the reading.
• Sample Letter for Aliyah Invite & Other Honorees