Bat Mitzvah for Orange County, Fullerton, Yorba Linda, Anaheim, Anaheim Hills, Brea, Placentia, Orange, Diamond Bar, Corona, Villa Park, Chino Hills, La Mirada, La Habra.
Bat Mitzvah Guide
In Judaism the Bat Mitzvah marks a transformation of girl into young Jewish lady. As a person grows older, she constantly reflects on this momentous occasion as a major part of the maturing process. This is the turning point at which a girl is suddenly transformed into a Jewish adult and feels the pride of being a fully fledged member of the oldest religion in the world, identifying with their essence in a strong and positive manner.
At Congregation Beth Meir HaCohen/North County Chabad, we offer beautiful traditional services bridging together authentic Judaism of our grandparents with a California style. This guide will give you an insight into how to plan a memorable Bat Mitzvah for your family. Our staff of educators and rabbis will always be happy to assist you in planning this very important event for your family.
Date
Please reserve your date with our office staff as soon as possible. The Bat Mitzvah is usually scheduled close to the child's Hebrew birthday and takes place on either Sunday or Saturday night, at the conclusion of Shabbat. We will be glad to help you determine that date.
To reserve a date, the Facility Rental Packet and the Bat Mitzvah Guide Application must be completed, the desired date requested and accompanied by a $350 deposit towards the cost of the facility rental (separate cost from the bat mitzvah training).
Upon receipt of your application and deposit all efforts will be made to accommodate you. If your desired date is available you will receive a letter of confirmation and the date will be posted on the Shul Calendar maintained in the office. Do no assume you date has been cleared until you have received the letter of confirmation.
Bat Mitzvah Fee
Our congregation does not require membership. However a $400 Bat Mitzvah Fee is required for the Bat Mitzvah celebration/service and use of the sanctuary. These fees are listed in the Facility Rental Packet. This does not include any catering costs or tutoring.
Facility
Our beautiful sanctuary has a capacity of 350 people. It is important that you notify the office of the anticipated attendance for the services so the proper amount of seating can be prepared. Up to 225 can be accommodated comfortably for a Kiddush/Reception after services in the social hall. Receptions can also be held outside in the plaza. There is an additional charge to rent the facility for a Kiddush/party (see facility rental packet).
Kiddush
A kiddush reception can be arranged for after services. See the facility rental packet for fees for the Kiddush.
Kosher Food Policy
A food served in the synagogue must be kosher. Food can also be provided by a Kosher Caterer that is certified by the Rabbinical Council of Orange County, the RCC or Kehillah. It can also be prepared in the synagogue kitchen under the Rabbis supervision. All meat products must be Glatt, milk products Cholov Yisroel. No food may be provided by private individuals or prepared in private homes.
Bat Mitzvah Reception
The Bat Mitzvah reception is an integral part of the religious ceremony and the laws of Kashrus and Shabbos should be observed. Receptions should not be scheduled on Saturday until the end of Shabbos after dark. Many people choose to have their receptions on Sunday. They should be held in a hotel with a kosher certification or catered by a recognized kosher caterer in a hall.
We have a beautiful social hall that is available for rental. In addition, there are hotels including the Hyatt Irvine, Hyatt Newporter, Hilton of Orange County and others in Orange County who do kosher catering. They are fully equipped to meet all of your needs. Celebrations can also be held at the Yorba Linda Community Center, the JCC and other locations.
There is a wide choice of Kosher caters that will prepare a wonderful reception according to your budget and cuisine you prefer. We would be happy make recommendations that would suit your needs.
The Rabbis, and the Hebrew School staff will not attend any Bat Mitzvah reception that are not certified kosher.
Bat Mitzvah Training: Requirements for Bat Mitzvah
Private tutoring with Morah Naomi Blesofsky begins at least 3 months prior to the Bat Mitzvah. Each session will be held at North County Chabad Center once a week for 45 minutes to one hour. The cost for the full Bat Mitzvah tutoring package is $500, which includes all preparation for the Bat Mitzvah as well as at least 8 private lessons with the Morah Naomi (if there is a need for more lessons there is no additional charge). This does not include use of the facility for Bat Mitzvah service and Bat Mitzvah Kiddush/party. A $350 deposit is required before or at the first meeting, and you can be billed with the credit card of your choice for the remaining balance. All fees must be paid two months prior to the Bat Mitzvah. This is a separate fee from the use of the sanctuary. No child will be turned away due to lack of funds. Arrangements can be made with the staff to ensure that each child receives a Bat Mitzvah.
Maimonides Thirteen Principles of Faith
Each Bat Mitzvah student will learn the Thirteen Principles of Faith, which are the basis of Jewish belief, an integral part of Judaism. It will be learned inside using the Hebrew and English text.
Attendance
The Bat Mitzvah girl must attend at least 10 Shabbat services- (preferably Saturday morning) in the months prior to the celebration.
Speech
A speech based on the weekly Torah Portion is to be prepared by the Bat Mitzvah boy to be said at the Bat Mitzvah. We will assist in preparing the presentation.
Bat Mitzvah Preparation
All candidates for Bat Mitzvah must meet with Naomi Blesofsky at least three months in advance to plan the service.
Chesed Project
Each Bat Mitzvah must do a Chesed project to benefit the Jewish community. This project might be help prepare packages for the holidays, raise money to help Jews in need etc.
Book Report
Each Bat Mitzvah must select a book of Jewish interest and write a report about the book prior to the Bat Mitzvah. The Shul library has many wonderful publications to choose from.
Bat Mitzvah Application
(This does not include Bat Mitzvah service fee and facility rental).
Please Complete and Return to:
North County Chabad Center/Congregation Beth Meir HaCohen
19045 Yorba Linda Boulevard, Yorba Linda, CA 92886
Tel. 714-693-0770 Fax 714-693-9423 www.ocjewish.com
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