Bar/Bat Mitzvah Programme @ The Village Shul

Bar Mitzvah Programme

The Village Shul and NCSY is pleased to introduce a brand new "Full Service" Bar Mitzvah Programme that will prepare your child for becoming a Bar Mitzvah spiritually, educationally and emotionally. We are offering three components in which your child can participate:

1. Education: Beginning in October, we will meet once a week for 5 weeks. These classes will be run by Shmuel Soroka, Director of NCSY South Chapter, and will address a number of important issues relating to Jewish thought, responsibility, and action. A strong focus will be placed on issues specifically relating to Jewish fundamentals as they affect a Bar Mitzvah boy answering the questions: what does the world want from me, I'll only be 13?, and what is in the black box, understanding the mitzvah (commandment) of tefillin.
2. Ritual Preparation (for members only): We will help connect you to an instructor who will help you in the ritual aspects of the Bar Mitzvah experience such as Torah reading and prayer. The instructor will provide one-on-one lessons where your son will learn how to read from the Torah, as well as learn the deeper meanings of the portion they are reading. As a participant in this option, your son will have an opportunity to receive a "guided tour" through the Shabbat services.
3. Shabbat Experience: Your son will be invited to join us for Shabbat in a number of ways in the months leading up to his Bar Mitzvah. Your family will have the opportunity to join us for a Shabbat dinner or lunch. Additionally, the existing Shabbat Youth Programme at The Village Shul is always eager to welcome new arrivals. In whichever capacity your family chooses to connect to Shabbat and Judaism, we are more than happy to help facilitate a positive Jewish experience.

When your son's Bar Mitzvah takes place, it will be the culmination of much effort and planning. However, it will be just the beginning of a Jewish life that will be enriched and meaningful. In addition to the Bar Mitzvah programme, there will be many opportunities for your son and family to continue to develop their connection to Judaism through NCSY and The Village Shul. We look forward to a great year.

For more information, please contact Shmuel Soroka at 416-781-4501

Bat Mitzvah Programme

The Village Shul and NCSY
What is a Bat Mitzvah anyway?

The Village Shul and NCSY Bat Mitzvah Programme helps young girls and their families to make this time invaluable and meaningful. The programme answers questions such as:

• I want to honour my parents, but they're driving me crazy.
• There is no one in the world quite like me. I have to use my unique strengths and talents to make the world a little better place. What makes me unique?
• What is so important about being Jewish anyway? Isn't it enough to just be a good person?
• Who are our Jewish women heroes? How do they relate to me?

Our tradition has answers to all of these questions. Through class discussions, workshops, games, guest speakers, and class projects, plus a Shabbaton with Bat Mitzvah girls from across Canada, participants come out of this programme understanding who they are as young women, who they are as Jews, and that they each have a unique role to play in the world to make it a better place.  Girls emerge with greater self-confidence and a new appreciation for what it means to be a modern Jewish woman in today's world. This programme is for girls of all backgrounds.

The Bat Mitzvah celebration (for members only) at The Village Shul have meaning and significance. We offer many unique and exciting ways for your daughter to take her rightful place as a young Jewish woman in our community, ways that will elevate her self-esteem and give her a chance to shine. She and her family will meet with the Rabbi to ensure that her special day is a reflection of her and all those who love her.

After services, and just prior to our 11 am learning session, your daughter has the opportunity to present her own Dvar Torah (speech about the relevance of that week's Torah portion) to the entire congregation. Her special status is referenced throughout the morning by our Rabbi, and morning services will reflect the special feel of the day. Many of our members have incorporated a Wine Goblet ceremony into their luncheon/Kiddush, where family and friends come up and contribute their cup of blessings to the larger cup. As well, you can arrange for your young guests to have their own private programme with Adrienne Gold, who will tailor a session for your daughter and her friends. All this and more make the day memorable and relevant.

For more information, please contact Elana Soroka at 416-781-4501