Affiliated
with The United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism
40
Gardiner Street - Warwick, RI 02888 - (401) 463-7944 - FAX (401) 463-9262
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Temple Am David of RI
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Basic
information of what to expect while attending a *Bar/ Bat Mitzvah (plural
- B'nai Mitzvah)
service at Temple Am David
*Note:
- Adult Bnai Mitzvah service parts may differ however the service remains the
same.
The
Ceremony
On this Shabbat morning we welcome a young member of our congregation as an
adult in the eyes of the Jewish community. Bnai Mitzvah will lead the congregation
in the service, chant from the Torah, and give a D'var Torah (commentary on
the Torah portion). He/She will also chant a Haftarah from one of the books
of the prophets. From this day on, the Bnai Mitzvah will accept the adult
obligations of wearing the tallit (prayer shawl), being counted as part of
a minyan (quorum of 10 adults required to recite certain prayers), having
the honor of being called up to the Torah, and being responsible for tzedakah
(giving to those less fortunate).
The
Service
The service will last approximately 2 and ½ hours. There are 4 main parts
to the service.
Preliminary
Service:
This is the introductory part of the service. It consists of a series of blessings
that deal with gratitude for waking up to a new day and praise to G-d. Its purpose
is to prepare us for the central part of the service which follows.
Shacharit:
The morning service includes the Bar'chu (a call to prayer), the Shema and its
blessings (central prayer in Judaism affirming a belief in one G-d preceded
and followed by blessings of creation, revelation, and redemption), and the
Amidah. The prayers in the Amidah focus on the merit of the patriarchs and matriarchs,
the greatness of G-d and the holiness of G-d, and prayers that express thanks
to G-d for life, health, peace, beauty and love. It closes with a prayer for
peace (Sim Shalom). It is customary to stand while saying the Amidah. These
prayers are recited silently and are followed by a repetition led by the Cantor.
This is also a time for personal reflection or meditation. At the end of Shacharit,
the Kaddish is recited to mark the separation of this part of the service from
the next.
Torah
Service:
This part of the service includes the taking out and reading of the Torah. The
Bnai Mitzvah will lead this part of the service and chant the Torah portion
and the Haftarah. During the Torah service, prayers of praise and honor to the
Torah are recited before removing the scroll from the Ark. The Torah is removed
from the Ark and carried around the sanctuary before beginning the reading.
A procession is formed with the Cantor, the (Bar/Bat) Mitzvah student, parents,
and other congregation leaders. As they walk through the sanctuary carrying
the Torah, members of the congregation and guests greet them. The Torah is touched
or kissed as an expression of love for its teachings. It is customary to remain
standing whenever the Torah is raised. Family members and other members of the
congregation are honored with aliyot (the honor of being called to the Torah)
during the service. Following the readings, there will be a blessing in honor
of the persons who were called to the Torah, a special blessing (mishaberach)
for those who are ill, and a blessing in honor of the (Bar/Bat) Mitzvah. It
is customary to shower the (Bar/Bat) Mitzvah with candy in honor of the sweet
event (the candy will be passed out by Bnai Mitzvah family. After the Torah
reading, The (Bar/Bat) Mitzvah will chant the Haftarah and conclude with D'var
Torah (expression of the understanding gained from learning about the Torah
portion). The Torah service continues with special prayers for the congregation,
the State of Israel, a Prayer for Peace, and the Ashrei. There is a final procession
with the Torah being carried through the sanctuary before it is returned to
the Ark.
Musaf:
The final part of the service is the Additional Prayers. This portion of the
service consists of the Amidah led by Bnai Mitzvah and concluded silently. The
Amidah is followed by the Kaddish Shalem signifying the end of the service.
The concluding prayers are the Aleinu, the Mourner's Kaddish, and Adon Olam.
(Bar/Bat) Mitzvah will be joined by other Bnai Mitzvah, friends or family members
in the chanting of Aleinu and Adon Olam.
Kiddush
and Ha-Motzi
Please join our family for Kiddush (blessing recited over wine) and Ha-Motzi
(blessing recited over bread) and luncheon in the Social Hall immediately following
the service
Out
of respect of our Temple custom we ask that
All men wear a kippah (head covering) in the Temple.
All women who have an aliyah are also required to wear a kippah on the bimah.
Please turn off cell phones, pagers, and other
electronic devices.
Applause is inappropriate in the Sanctuary during the service and
photography is not permitted anywhere in the synagogue.
