The new “Mazal Tov!” B’nai Mitzvah Program at Temple Sinai in Marblehead is the opportunity for every Jewish Child to Celebrate Becoming a Bar or Bat Mitzvah!
Temple Sinai invites you to join our inaugural B’nai Mitzvah Cohort for Spring/Summer 2026.
Program Overview
- Purpose: To make the bar/bat mitzvah milestone accessible, meaningful, and user-friendly for every Jewish child and their family.
- Ceremony Options: Choose to hold your ceremony in Israel, at a venue of your choice, or at Temple Sinai (additional costs may apply).
- No Synagogue Membership Required: Open to all Jewish families, whether or not you are members of Temple Sinai.
Program Details
- Cost: Thanks to a generous subsidy grant, the cost is only $180
- What’s Included:
- 8 Classes: Focused on Jewish values, knowledge, and building connections among students and families.
- Shabbat Morning Service: A celebratory service to mark the program’s conclusion.
- Two Rabbi Consultations: Personalized meetings to plan your child’s bar/bat mitzvah ceremony.
- Hanukkah Shabbat Event: Includes a Friday night dinner and service during the program.
- Ceramic Sculpture Gift: Created through the “Storyteller” program.
- Mitzvah Project Guidance: Support for students to complete a meaningful mitzvah project.
- Additional Support:
- Expert guidance on planning and creating a personalized bar/bat mitzvah ceremony.
- A list of tutors for Hebrew and ceremony preparation (if needed).
Why Join?
- Builds a sense of community among b’nai mitzvah students and families.
- Offers meaningful and engaging Jewish learning experiences.
- Introduces core Jewish values and knowledge.
- Ensures every child has the opportunity to become a bar/bat mitzvah, regardless of synagogue membership.
Program Schedule
Classes meet at Temple Sinai, Marblehead, unless otherwise noted.
Weekday classes: 4:30–6:00 PM
Classes marked with (*) include parents and students together.
- Thursday, October 23, 2025 (*)
- Thursday, October 30, 2025
- Thursday, November 6, 2025 (*)
- Thursday, November 13, 2025
- Thursday, December 6, 2025
- Thursday, December 11, 2025
- Wednesday, December 18, 2025 (*)
- Sunday, January 11, 2026 (*)
- Saturday, January 17, 2026 (*, 9:30 AM) – Shabbat service ‘graduation’
Note: Program schedule and content are subject to change to meet students’ needs and interests.
Program Curriculum
- What is a Bar/Bat Mitzvah? Why Now at This Age?
Introduction to the significance of the bar/bat mitzvah milestone. - Jewish History – A Timeline
Overview of foundational events and periods in Jewish history. - The Synagogue: Understanding the “What” and “Why”
Exploration of synagogue elements (Torah, ark, siddur, etc.) and their significance and meaning. - Jewish Ethics and Values 1: The Environment
Discussion of Jewish perspectives on environmental responsibility. - Jewish Ethics and Values 2: Hillel and Shammai – Lies and Truth-Telling
Exploration of ethical debates and Jewish teachings on honesty. - Israel
Learning about Israel’s history, culture, and significance in Jewish life. - The Jewish Calendar and Holidays: Hanukkah Celebration
Understanding Jewish holidays and celebrating Hanukkah together. - “Storyteller” – Sharing Our Jewish Stories Through Art
Participants understand their family tree through an object of family significance, and create an expression of their personal Jewish story. - Shabbat Service ‘Graduation’
Culminating service to celebrate the cohort’s learning achievement.
About Our Rabbi
Rabbi Michael Schwartz brings decades of experience guiding families through the bar/bat mitzvah process. Having lived in Israel for 20 years, he helped hundreds of families create meaningful, personalized ceremonies at Masada, the Western Wall, in ancient synagogues, or in the heart of Israel’s nature. In the U.S., Rabbi Schwartz continues to personalize the experience, addressing each child’s unique needs and capabilities. He guides families through:
- Meaningful Learning: Engaging Jewish education tailored to the student.
- Community Service: Support for completing a mitzvah project.
- Impactful Ceremony: Planning a memorable bar/bat mitzvah service that reflects the family’s journey together.
For more information or to join the “Mazal Tov!” program, contact Temple Sinai in Marblehead!