At North West Surrey Synagogue, we delight in the accomplishments of our children and work hard to ensure that each child is ready to participate in a meaningful way in their “coming of age” ceremony. NWSS assists and encourages each child to achieve his or her potential and we take particular pride in being able to include pupils with special needs in our B’Mitzvah programme.
At the start of the two years prior to B’Mitzvah, the child is invited with their family to a group Siddur Ceremony. Families are given a Guide to the programme that includes help in preparing for the B’Mitzvah ceremony and celebration. NWSS has a (volunteer) B’Mitzvah coordinator, who helps guide the family of the various preparation ‘milestones’, and help link up the family with the relevant NWSS teams that can support with elements and logistics of the B’Mitzvah.
In addition to our ongoing Hebrew and Jewish Studies classes within Nitzanim, there are enriching and engaging programs for our B’Mitzvah and their families. The cohorts are given opportunities to learn and grow together in study sessions, and are encouraged to participate in the Shabbat morning services leading up to their B’Mitzvah.
There are also occasional Social Events for the children, with or separate from their families, such as Movie Nights and Shabbat Dinners. At the Siddur Ceremony, the students are presented with a new siddur by their parents and it is this that they will mark up as the learning progresses. They are also gifted a Tanakh from the Synagogue, to help them with their studies.
In the year leading up to the B’Mitzvah, students are paired with a tutor who will get to know the B’Mitzvah, and assist them with learning the Shabbat Morning prayers and chosen Torah portion, as well as assisting the child in developing a deeper understanding of their portion’s meaning.
All of our students gain confidence from the experience of being called to the Torah as a B’Mitzvah; expanding their Jewish knowledge; increasing their familiarity with the Siddur and forging a stronger Jewish identity.