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B'nai Mitzvah

The Jewish people have celebrated the B’nai Mitzvah coming-of-age tradition for centuries, where children reach the age of majority at 12 for girls and 13 for boys. At OVS, we are happy to help guide your family in celebrating your child’s coming of age.

  1. In accordance with Jewish Law, children who mark their בר or בת מצוה (Bar or Bat Mitzvah)must be born to a Jewish woman or undergone conversion prior to their B’nai Mitzvah.
  2. Boys mark their becoming a בר מצוה no earlier than their 13th Hebrew Birthday.
  3. Girls mark their becoming a בת מצוה no earlier than their 12th Hebrew Birthday. Girls also have the option to wait until closer to their 13th Hebrew Birthday.
  4. Children who are celebrating becoming a בר or בת מצוה at OVS must be enrolled in religious school or a Jewish Day School by third grade. We recommend children begin in Kindergarten.
  5. Every B’nai Mitzvah celebration will look different, and every child should shine on their special day to the best of their abilities. We have a list of options to participate in services on both Friday night and Saturday morning, and each child will do their best to master as many options as they can.
  6. For children who would like further options, there are alternatives בני מצוה like הבדלה/Havdalah, Monday/Thursday morning services, or ראש חודש/Rosh Chodesh.
  7. Families must meet with Rabbi Hearshen and Executive Director Adam Kofinas three years before the בר/בת מצוה year to secure a date for their child.
  8. Training typically begins a year before the date of the בר/בת מצוה, but we recognize some children need longer to prepare. Children are welcome to begin training at an earlier date determined by the parents, teachers, and the rabbi.
  9. The parents must meet with Executive Director Adam Kofinas a year before the celebration to make plans for OVS facility use:
    1. שבת Shabbat Dinner
    2. קידוש/Kiddush Lunch (required to host at least a basic level קידוש for 60 OVS attendees plus the number of guests the family has confirmed attending)
    3. Party: Any party held at OVS cannot begin before the end of שבת which is, in general, one hour after candle lighting for that week.
  10. All food served/consumed at OVS must be Kosher and approved by Rabbi Hearshen.
  11. It’s required that all children from the child’s class be invited to the service and party (if a party is being held).
  12. In cases of divorce, please refer to the web page “OVS Divorced Parents Policy for Bar/Bat Mitzvahs”