Every person is different and every b’mitzvah is different. Within the guidelines of halacha, or Jewish law, there is some flexibility, and we will do everything we can to do what is best for you. One person may use a different melody than another, and there may be places in which it is appropriate for one person to read Hebrew where another reads English. With that being said, the basic Shabbat morning service is a strong tradition in the history of our people. We will use this service as the template for your b’mitzvah. The following is the basic service order for our b’mitzvah here at the Roth Center. Red bold items should be led by the b’mitzvah student. Pink bold items may be led by the student or Rabbi.
Prayer Name | Page | Action | Notes | Participants |
Ma Tovu | 140 | Stand | Hebrew, first line twice |
B’mitzvah student leads, congregation sings along |
Baruch Sheamar | 180 | Stand | Hebrew | Rabbi or b’mitzvah student leads, congregation sings along |
Psalm 90 | 186 | Sit | English | Rabbi leads, congregation responds |
Ashrey | 190 | Sit | Hebrew, silently | Rabbi announces |
Hallelu | 194 | Sit | Hebrew | Rabbi leads, Melissa can accompany the b’mitzvah student with uke if they’re interested; congregation sings along |
Nishmat Kol Chai | 214 | Sit | Hebrew | Rabbi leads, congregation sings along |
Shocheyn Ad | 218 | Sit | Hebrew | Rabbi leads, congregation sings along |
Chatzi Kaddish | 220 | Stand | Hebrew | B’mitzvah student or Rabbi leads, congregation responds |
Barchu | 224 | Stand | Hebrew | B’mitzvah student leads, congregation responds |
El Adon | 228 | Sit | Hebrew | Rabbi leads, congregation sings along |
Ahavah Rabah | 238 | Sit | Hebrew | Rabbi or b’mitzvah student leads, congregation sings along and reads silently |
With Abounding Love | 239 | Sit | English | B’mitzvah student leads |
Shema and V’ahavta | 242 | Sit | Hebrew | B’mitzvah student leads, congregation sings along |
True and Enduring | 248 | Sit | English | B’mitzvah student leads, congregation responds |
Mi Chamocha | 252 | Sit | Hebrew | Rabbi or b’mitzvah student leads, congregation responds |
Avot v’Imahot and Gevurot | 255 | Stand | Hebrew | B’mitzvah student solo |
Kedusha | 256 | Stand | Hebrew | Rabbi leads, congregation responds |
L’dor vador | 256 | Stand | Hebrew | B’mitzvah student leads, congregation responds |
Silent Amidah | 258-266 | Stand | Silent | Congregation |
Oseh Shalom | 266 | Stand | Hebrew | B’mitzvah student leads |
Kaddish Shalem
|
268 | Stand | Hebrew | B’mitzvah student or Rabbi leads |
Torah Service: The b’mitzvah student and their family rise and gather around the ark. The appointed person opens the ark. The Torah is handed by the rabbi to members of the family and it is passed one by one (l’dor v’dor, from generation to generation), to the b’mitzvah student. Everyone stays behind the b’mitzvah student as the service continues. | ||||
Shema | 320 | Stand | Hebrew | B’mitzvah student leads, congregation responds |
At “Gadlu, L’Adoshem,” the b’mitzvah student turns to face the ark and bows as that part is chanted. The b’mitzvah student then takes the Torah to the congregation to be greeted. The family follows behind in procession. The b’mitzvah student should take time and walk around the congregation slowly, giving everyone a chance to greet or to kiss the Torah. This is an honor. It should not be rushed. | ||||
Blessings before and after the Torah reading | 322 | Stand | Hebrew | Each person honored with an aliyah. There are seven aliyot plus the maftir (see below); the parents take the seventh. Rabbi and the b’mitzvah student will do the Torah chanting. |
Mi Shebeirach | Back cover of siddur | Sit | Hebrew and English | Rabbi or b’mitzvah student leads, congregation sings along |
Maftir | Torah | Stand | Hebrew | B’mitzvah student solo |
Chatzi Kaddish | 324 | Stand | Hebrew | Rabbi or gabbai leads |
Haftarah and Haftarah blessings | 326 | Stand | Hebrew | B’mitzvah student solo |
D’var Torah | Prepared | Stand | English | B’mitzvah student solo |
Yehallelu | 340 | Stand | Hebrew, scroll returned to ark at the end. | Rabbi leads, congregation sings along |
Eitz Chayim Hi | 346 | Stand | Hebrew | Rabbi leads, congregation sings |
Blessings upon parents | — | Stand | Hebrew and English | Rabbi |
Blessings upon b’mitzvah student | — | Stand | Hebrew and English | Rabbi |
Presentation by board | ||||
Presentation by education director | ||||
Blessing from the parents | ||||
Aleinu | 402 | Stand | Hebrew | B’mitzvah student or rabbi leads, congregation sings along |
Mourner’s Kaddish | 410 | Mourners stand, congregation sits | Hebrew | Rabbi leads, mourners join |
Adon Olam | 412 | Sit | Hebrew | B’mitzvah class leads, congregation sings along |
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Upper Valley Jewish Community
5 Occom Ridge, Hanover, NH 03755
603-646-0460 | office@uvjc.org