Bar Mitzvah Guide
IIntroduction
n Judaism the Bar/Bat Mitzvah marks a most significant stage in the life of a young Jew.. As a person grow older, he constantly reflects on this momentous occasion as a major part of the maturing process. This is the turning point at which a boy/girl is suddenly transformed into a Jewish adult and feels the pride of being a fully fledged members of the oldest religion in the world, identifying with their essence in a strong and positive manner.
The realization of being integral part of our beautiful tradition and rich heritage creates an eternal commitment to the ideals of our forefathers. This ultimately serves to inspire a person to constantly recognize his/her privileges and responsibilities to ones own self, fellow human beings and about all to G‑d.
At Congregation Beth Meir HaCohen we offer beautiful traditional service bridging together authentic Judaism of our grandparents with a California style. This guide will give you an insight into how to plan a memorable Bar/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.
The Bar/Bat Mitzvah Guide
Date
Please clear your wish to reserve as soon as possible. A Bar Mitzvah can be held on any day the Torah is read; Saturday morning services, Saturday afternoon, certain Sundays, Monday and Thursday. Bar Mitzvahs can also be held on Jewish holidays such as Passover, Shavous etc. The Bar Mitzvah is usually scheduled close to the child's Hebrew birthday. We will be glad to help you determine that date.
To reserve a date the Bar/Bat Mitzvah application must be completed, the desired date requested and accompanied by a $180 deposit.
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 ofconfirmation.
Traditional Service
The services at Chabad are traditional. Men and women sit separately with the traditional Mechiza (divider). All prayer books are in Hebrew/English– all prayers are recited in Hebrew with some English readings. All announcements, speeches and sermons are in English.
Saturday Bar/Bat Mitzvah
No pictures are to be taken on Saturday, although we welcome you and your photographer for a session on a week day. If you choose a late afternoon service photographers and music are welcome after Havdalah (after the end of Shabbat). We ask that anything you need to bring to the service be brought prior to sunset on Friday. This includes, flowers, yarmulkes, and anything needed for the service. Naturally smoking and the use of a telephone is not permitted on Shabbat.
Bar/Bat Mitzvah Fee
Our congregation does not require membership. However a $360 Bar/Bat Mitzvah Fee is required for the Bar Mitzvah celebration and the use of the sanctuary. This does not include any catering costs or tutoring.
Facility
Our beautiful sanctuary has a capacity of 300. 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 180 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 (noted below)
Kiddush
A kiddush reception can be arranged for after services.
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.
Bar/Bat Mitzvah Reception
The Bar 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.
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.
The Shul is available for receptions such as a luncheon or dinner. There is a $360 fee for use of the facility, $40 cleaning fee, and a $100 refundable security deposit.
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 to make recommendations that would suit your needs.
The Rabbis, and the Hebrew School staff will not attend any Bar Mitzvah receptions that are not certified kosher.
Requirements for Bar/Bat Mitzvah
Attendance
The Bar Mitzvah boy or Bat Mitzvah girl must attend at least 12 Shabbat services- (preferably Saturday morning) in the months prior to the celebration.
In addition to the immeasurable spiritual benefits there are practical benefits as well. The regular attendance enables the young man on women to more calm on that very important and auspices day. The Bar/Bat Mitzvah will be more knowledgeable with the traditions, the service and the community. The regular attendance builds a familiarity with the congregation making the “Simcha” a true community event.
Speech
A speech based on the weekly Torah Portion must be prepared by the Bar Mitzvah boy or Bat Mitzvah girl to be said a the end of services. It is preferable that a second speech be prepared to be recited at the reception. The Rabbi and the teachers will be happy to assist in preparing the presentation. A final draft of the speech must be available to the Rabbi two weeks prior to the Bar/Bat Mitzvah.
Hebrew School
All children having a Bar/Bat Mitzvah must have attended the Congregation Beth Meir HaCohen Hebrew School or attend a local Jewish Day School two years prior to the Bar/Bat Mitzvah.
Bar/Bat Mitzvah Preparation
All candidates for Bar/Bat Mitzvah must meet with the Rabbi at least six months in advance to plan the service. Bar/Bat Mitzvah tutoring is available through the synagogue. Fees are to paid for this personal service directly to the tutor.
Chessed Project
Each Bar/Bat Mitzvah must do a Chessed project to benefit the Jewish community. This project might be help prepare packages for the holidays, raise money to help Jews in need etc. etc.. The Rabbi will assist each Bar/Bat Mitzvah in selecting a project best suited for them.
Book Report 
Each Bar/Bat Mitzvah must selelct a book of Jewish interest and write a report about the book prior to the Bar/Bat Mitzvah. The Shul library has many wonderful publications to choose from. The Rabbi will help select a book.
Tefillin
Every Bar Mitzvah boy is expected to own and use a pair of Tefillin on a daily basis. We will be happy to assist you in the purchase of Tefillin. It is also appropriate to begin putting on Tefillin 2 months before the Bar Mitzvah. This can be marked by a special breakfast at the Sunday Minyan.
Haftorah 
The Bar Mitzvah boy must learn his Haftorah to recited during the Shabbat service. Also he must learn the blessings. Many boys learn parts of the prayers which they lead on the day of the Bar Mitzvah. We will attune the program according to each child's abilities.
Additional Requirements for a Bat Mitzvah Girl
Principles of Faith
The Bar Mitzvah girl must learn the thirteen principals of faith (Ani Mamins) to be recited at the Bat Mitzvah Service. The Bat Mitzvah Club is a wonderful way for the Bat Mitzvah girl to perpare for Bat Mitzvah.
Havdalah Service
Those girls selecting to a Bat Mitzvah service during Havdalah must learn the traditions of Havdalah, including the meaning of the prayers as well as the laws of Havdalah.