Bar / Bat Mitzvah Requirements

Based on the statements of Shimon haTzadik from Mishna Avot:

The world stands on three things: on Torah, on Avodah (service), and on Gimilut Hasadim (acts of loving kindness

Torah

Hebrew Exam: identify and translate the roots of words from certain passages (some from Shima/viahavta, some from conversational phrases)

Jewish History Exam: Student chooses a period of history and teacher asks questions.

Hebrew School Attendance (percentage of classes required to be worked out by teachers)

Independent Project: Write a brief article on an issue currently affecting the Jewish people - Visit to the Jewish museum and writing up a summary - Interviewing a Kosher caterer about his/her work - Write a book report/movie review on a book/movie on a Jewish topic - Interviewing a member of the Jewish community from another generation about his/her Jewish experience.

Avodah

Must come to shul for twelve Shabbatot in the six months prior to bar/bat mitzvah.

Must assist as a gabbai for four shabbatot

Must lead last part of services (ein kelohainu to adon olam) twice

Independent Project: Make a tallit - Make an etrog-box - Learn a maftir aliya for a friend's bar/bat mitzvah - Helping someone to build a sukka - Write about a favorite prayer, including some historical research.

Gimilut Hasadim

10 Hours Community Service Work: Volunteer at a local hospital, firehouse, police station, emergency services center - Volunteer at a local school library - Student teaching at Hebrew school - Volunteer at a local museum.

All projects are subject to the approval of the teachers.

Be sure to check out the Jewish Interestsection of the web site - There is a large source of information for Jewish Study.