Inaugural “Mazal Tov” B’nai Mitzvah Program

The new “Mazal Tov!” B’nai Mitzvah Program

Our new B’nai Mitzvah preparation 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 2026.

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 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.
    • Ceramic Sculpture Program and Gift: Created through the “Storyteller” program.
    • Shabbat Morning Service: A learning service and community experience.
    • Shavuot Holiday Event: Includes a dairy holiday dinner and community learning program, as well as recognition for completion of the program.
    • Two Rabbi Consultations: Personalized meetings to plan your child’s bar/bat mitzvah ceremony.
    • 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 or level of Jewish education.

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.

  • Wednesday, February 25, 2026 (*)
  • Wednesday, March 4, 2026
  • Wednesday, March 11, 2026 (*)
  • Wednesday, March 18, 2026
  • Sunday, March 22, 2026 (* 10:00 AM) – “Storeyteller” art program
  • Saturday, March 28, 2026 (*, 9:30 AM) – Shabbat service
  • Wednesday April 15, 2026
  • Wednesday April 29, 2026
  • Wednesday, May 6, 2026 
  • Wednesday, May 13, 2026 
  • Thursday, May 21, 2026 (*, evening) –Shavuot program and ‘graduation’

Note: Program schedule and content are subject to change to meet students’ needs.

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.
  • (*) Tzedaka and Gemilut Chasadim: Learn about these concepts and the importance of community service; choose from a list of community service projects [required].
  • The Jewish Calendar and Holidays: Passover
    Understanding Jewish holidays and learn about the upcoming Passover holiday.
  • (*) “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
  • 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.
  • Jewish Ethics and Values 3: Honoring Mother and Father
    Examination of the commandment to honor parents and its modern application.
  • (*) Tikkun Leil Shavuot  – Engaging in the Shavuot holiday community learning program and recognizing participants’ ‘graduation’ of the program toward their b’nai mitzvah celebration.

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 susan.templesinai@gmail.com

Temple Sinai