A Bar/Bat Mitzvah is not an individual, but a family, and not one day, but a year, if not a lifetime. What affects one member of a family profoundly affects the others….
Brisbane Progressive Jewish Congregation embraces this philosophy and considers the Bar/Bat Mitzvah one step in the life cycle of our community. We offer your child a solid grounding in Hebrew, Festivals, Bible, Ethics and Values, and an introduction to Israel through our Cheder. Our Cheder Director will work with you and your tutor to develop a program that suits your child’s abilities and fits in with your families’ expectations. Our Board of Management maintains a list of recommended tutors that is available on request. Our Minister, Cantor David Bentley, is our preferred tutor.
While Jewish tradition calls for the Bar/Bat Mitzvah to be thirteen years of age according to the Jewish calendar, the actual event can take place any time after the thirteenth Hebrew birthday based on the student’s training and ability. BPJC feels it is necessary to meet certain standards – such as Hebrew and Jewish education, Hebrew proficiency and attendance at worship services – in order to mark the occasion publicly in a service. We recommend that you allow up to two years to prepare your child properly. However we recognise that each child is unique and our Cheder staff can tailor a flexible program to suit your child.
Our Bar/Bat Mitzvah Policy details our requirements designed to give your child a rounded experience as they become part of our community before, during and after the service. This will usually include regular attendance at services, Cheder classes and social events. Please download our Bar/Bat Mitzvah Policy for more details.
Brisbane Progressive Jewish Congregation can also assist with Lay Leaders, Siddurim and venue selection to assist our members. Please contact our Cheder Director for more information.
Calling all 10/11 year olds
Is your son/daughter turning 13 in the next two years? BPJC is recruiting these children now to commence their Cheder studies in preparation for their Bar/Bat Mitzvah. BPJC encourages all Bar/Bat Mitzvah students to attend our Cheder for at least two years prior to the Bar/Bat Mitzvah. There is also additional tutoring that is required to fully prepare the Bar/Bat Mitzvah student.
Don’t put it off any longer, contact our Cheder Director for more information today.
BPJC Bar and Bat Mitzvah Honour Board
| R. Leverton | Vayakhel-Pekudey | 21 March 2009 | 25 Adar I 5769 |
| M. Geffen | Mattot-Mas’ey | 10 July 2010 | 28 Tamuz 5770 |
| H. Leonard | Shofetim | 14 August 2010 | 4 Elul 5770 |
| S. Saragossi | Vayigash | 11 December 2010 | 4 Tevet 5771 |
| A. Holyoake | Shemot | 25 December 2010 | 18 Tevet 5771 |
| S. Israel | Shelach Lecha | 18 June 2011 | 6 Sivan 5771 |
| B. Haneman | Shofetim | 3 September 2011 | 4 Elul 5771 |
| A. Geffen | Toledot | 26 November 2011 | 29 Cheshvan 5772 |
| A. Marx | Toledot | 17 November 2012 | 3 Kislev 5773 |
| A. Haneman | Vayashlich | 1 December 2012 | 17 Kislev 5773 |