B'nai Mitzvah Sample Letter

In case this will be your first experience at a synaogue, we would like to tell you a little of what to expect and what happens on Saturday morning during our religious services. Please feel free to ask us questions prior to the day of the service.

Appropriate Dress & Behavior

Men will be wearing ties and suits or sport coats. All men and boys are required to wear a Kipah (head covering) at all times while in the Synagogue building. Kippot will be provided at the entrance, should be kept on through the end of the Kiddush luncheon, and should be removed only upon exiting the building. It is customary for all Jewish men and boys over 13 to wear a Tallit (prayer shawl) during the Saturday morning service. Non-Jewish men should wear a Kipah but should not put on a Tallit. Women and girls should dress modestly: sleeveless, backless and above the knee skirts are not appropriate synagogue wear.

Beth El Synagogue observes the traditional prohibitions of Shabbat, which include “not kindling fire” or doing any form of work. In keeping with these traditions, our congregation refrains from the following while in the Synagogue:

1. There is no smoking anywhere inside the building or anywhere on the Beth El Synagogue grounds.
2. Writing and the use of any type of electronic equipment such as photographic equipment (cameras, camcorders, etc.) are not permitted. Please do not bring cameras into the building or carry them into the Sanctuary.
3. There are no working telephones available in the building during Shabbat. Cell phones should be off during services and the luncheon following.

If you or your child will need to be picked up after services, a good rule of thumb is: 7:00 pm on Friday nights; 12:45 pm on Shabbat afternoon.

Luncheon

Immediately following the service, you are invited to join us for a buffet-style Kiddush luncheon that will be held in the Beth El Synagogue social hall directly across the hallway from the Sanctuary.

We sincerely hope that these brief guidelines will help you to feel more at home and to enjoy the moment. It is a very special time for ____________________ as well as for our entire family. Thank you again for your willingness to share this most happy occasion with us.