Timeline

To assist you, we have included a checklist of the deadlines
relating to your BAR/BAT Mitzvah that will help you understand the BAR/BAT Mitzvah
process. Because each student is unique, this is a general timeline and
you can expect the exact timing to be slightly different.

 Three years before entering program

• Meet minimum membership and STaRS enrollment
  requirement by keeping membership and enrollment current

 End of 5^th Grade Year

• If membership and enrollment are current, Bar/Bat
  Mitzvah service date is assigned
• Read the B’nei Mitzvah Parent’s Handbook
• Acquire The Torah: A Modern Commentary, by
  W.G. Plaut, revised edition, copyright 2005, 2006 by URJ Press
• Begin required Shabbat service attendance

 18-10 Months before Bar/Bat Mitzvah Service

• Student’s Hebrew proficiency level assessed (tutoring
  may be recommended
• Attend Bar/Bat Mitzvah Family Class
• Choose 12-16 verses of the week’s Torah portion to
  chant
• Choose and hire a liturgical soloist
• Decide upon and reserve the location for your
  celebration
• Attend Bar/Bat Mitzvah Family Class
• If desired, choose and hire caterer, photographer, and
  other services
• Begin Mitzvah project
• If planning to hold an evening party at CST, make your
  reservation!

9-6 Months before Bar/Bat Mitzvah Service

• Student begins individual tutoring
• Student begins work with Rabbi on d’var Torah^G
• Prepare guest list and order/create
  invitations        
• Continue Mitzvah project
• Student should be practicing daily 15-20 minutes

 5-3 Month before Bar/Bat Mitzvah Service

• Complete d’var Torah
• 4 months is the hard deadline to make reservation of
  CST facilities for your Shabbat dinner, Kiddush lunch, or evening party
• Tuition payments must be current

8-6 WEEKS before Bar/Bat Mitzvah Service

• All financial accounts with Congregation Shomrei Torah
  including membership, and tuition must be current
• Schedule three service rehearsals (by calling Denise)
• Schedule service details meeting (by calling Leira)
• Submit photo and short article for The Voice
• Schedule meeting with Denise to go over facilities use

 4-2 Weeks before Bar/Bat Mitzvah Service

• Attend three rehearsals
• Attend service details meeting
• Turn in completed pulpit honors form to Program
  Coordinator
• Meet with Denise to go over facilities use
• Complete arrangements with
  caterer/florist/photographer etc.
• Be sure to provide
  caterer/florist/photographer etc. with CST policies
• Pay facilities use fees