Page 35 - Jewish News_04-2021

COMMENTARY April 2021 35A

A new Bar/Bat Mitzvah Looking toward the future

experience many years the thought of livestream-

ing our services. We now livestream
rather than just taking the approach: “I From and also post our services on Facebook
disliked Hebrew school and you will and YouTube. Another innovation is

From too if you want to have a Bar/Bat Mitz- the the Friday afternoon “cocktail hour.”
We get together on Zoom at 5:00 p.m.
vah.”
Bimah
This is what I suggest. I believe
the that the most important aspect of Bar/ and different members of the congre-
gation have shared their “Jewish Jour-
Bimah Bat Mitzvah study is preparing to live a ney.” Attendance has been wonderful.
We have a congregation of accom-
Jewish life. This includes learning such
elements as our history and the reasons Rabbi Stephen L. Sniderman plished people who, for the most part,
for our practices. It definitely should Temple Beth Israel don’t say much about their life stories.
Rabbi Michael P. Sternfield emphasize Jewish ethical living, best year has gone by since we tem- Since practically all of us come from
Temple Beth El of Bradenton accomplished by one-on-one learning porarily closed our building somewhere else, this program has giv-
& Lakewood Ranch with teachers and with their parents. In A and temporarily put our pro- en us a chance to get to know each
the months leading up to the service, grams and plans on hold. We have lost other better.
or many Jewish families, the the family should share learning ex- members to Covid. We have had re- Zoom meetings give our mem-
Bar/Bat Mitzvah is one of the periences together. This is especially duced attendance at funerals. We have bers who decided to remain up north
Fmost significant events in their important for the many interfaith fam- had to offer our classes, meetings and the ability to participate in our activ-
lives, shared with dear ones and friends, ilies, where one parent has not grown even services via Zoom. We have had ities. Zoom meetings have given me
long planned for and long anticipated. up Jewish and may continue to identify to forego the importance of real social the chance to attend meetings, lectures
The period of preparation should be a with the faith tradition in which they interaction and the emotional support and seminars without having to fly to
time of increased interest in Judaism, were raised. This is a reality that needs that comes from being together in the New York, Cincinnati or Poland. Amid
a learning experience that will remain to be embraced, rather than regarded as same place. Despite all of this, we need the restrictions, the suffering and the
with the student for life, along with the confusing or deleterious. to be forward looking. mourning, I have enjoyed the new op-
memories of the ceremony and cele- These are the most important ele- Temple Beth Israel will have sev- portunities to communicate and be part
bration. However, that is not always ments to be combined in the learning eral re-opening ceremonies. We will of larger, though virtual, communities.
the way things transpire. Most young experience: do this in stages. We will have our soft When we open up, it will not be
people find Bar/Bat Mitzvah “training” An appreciation for Hebrew and opening. We will have our grand open- the same. There will be too many emp-
to be tedious and an imposition of their Torah; Developing a Jewish identity; ing. The latter will be a Hannukat Ha- ty chairs. We will mourn. For families
time. This is especially unfortunate Continuity of Jewish tradition; Tra- bayit, a special service of re-dedication who were unable to have the funerals,
because the current standard method ditional blessings and prayers; Mitz- of the house, of the synagogue. shivas and mourning customs that we
squanders a precious opportunity to vot – Jewish ethics; Being part of the Meanwhile, we have made some expect, I have offered memorial ser-
motivate students to enjoy Judaism community; Taking a strong interest in specific changes in our building. The vices and celebrations of life when we
and for them to want Judaism to be an Israel. air system is now far more efficient can all get together again the way we
important and permanent part of their Here is the most important part. and safer. We are putting in an extra used to do it.
lives. I continue to believe in the value Bar/Bat Mitzvah learning should not be exit door in our sanctuary for securi- Meanwhile, may we all get our
of the Bar/Bat Mitzvah experience but a “cookie cutter” experience. It should ty reasons. Necessity is the mother of vaccines easily and painlessly. May we
recognize that it is time for a new and be individualized for each family. change. Temple Beth Israel resisted for continue to be safe.
more valuable approach. There are some who believe that He-
Now access private sessions
Traditionally, the greatest time brew is essential and others for whom Now access private sessions
commitment is devoted to learning it is simply not as important. I believe
from home via
and/or chanting the various prayers, that Jewish ethical living supersedes, from home via
a portion of the Torah and Haftarah. but does not necessarily eliminate, He-
Mostly, this involves much repetition brew learning. We should be willing to
until the young person can “perform” allow each Bar/Bat Mitzvah family to
nicely at the service. A large amount of decide with the rabbi on the course of
time is spent on perfecting the Torah learning. The intent should be not to
and Haftarah portions, never to be used lessen the time commitment but rather
again after the big day. I do not doubt to maximize the impact of these learn-
the significance and sanctity of He- ing sessions. In the end, my hope is that
brew, the historic and universal sacred the full experience, combining learning
language of the Jewish people. But I with celebration, will have a lasting
wonder, what is the point of rote learn- and positive impact.
ing of a skill that will rarely if ever be Our congregation is embarking on
called upon again? Yes, it is true that this new path. We encourage all pro-
the basic Hebrew prayers that most spective Bar/Bat Mitzvah families to
young people learn are part of almost meet with me to design a learning pro- 941.316.6893
all Jewish worship services but, to be gram that will be edifying, enjoyable yogatherapywithpaula@gmail
perfectly candid, how many attend and result in a lifelong commitment. Empowered2Wellness.com Complimentary Consultation
such services very often? I would be delighted to meet with any
As an aside, most contemporary prospective Bar/Bat Mitzvah family to
siddurs (prayerbooks) have the prayers discuss how this new approach might
both in Hebrew and transliteration. I work well for you and your children.
believe in addressing these concerns

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