We consider our very popular B'nai Mitzvah program to be just one important milestone in a lifelong learning process. At Temple Israel, the program includes the entire family working with our clergy and highly skilled teaching staff.

Preparation for the B'nai Mitzvah requires three consecutive years of Religious or Day School prior to the Bar/Bat Mitzvah year; special arrangements must be made for students who cannot meet these requirements. A child is eligible for his/her Bar/Bat Mitzvah anytime after his/her thirteenth birthday.

The families of all students must be Temple members throughout their participation in the program, although students who have attended another accredited religious school prior to arriving at our school can participate, provided all requirements have been satisfied. If a child has an emotional or diagnosed learning difficulty which makes it difficult to complete these requirements, we can make accommodations, as long as we are notified two years prior to the event. We are committed to giving each child the opportunity to study and celebrate his/her Bar/Bat Mitzvah at a level appropriate to his/her situation.


Scheduling Bar and Bat Mitzvah Services

In order to schedule and celebrate your child’s Bar/Bat Mitzvah at Temple Israel of Hollywood, the family must be members in good standing with all membership, Religious School, Day School and B’nai Mitzvah fees paid or arrangements made through our administrative offices.

In October of each year, the Rabbis and Cantor consult our list of eligible students for candidacy, and parents are given an application two years in advance. The application and information sheet must be filled out completely and signed with three dates listed on the application in order of preference. Parents may also consult with the B’nai Mitzvah Coordinator on the current availability of dates, although the final choice will be made by the Rabbis and Cantor after consulting the Temple’s calendar. Every effort will be made to give each family its first, second or third choice. After the initial date has been assigned, any date changes must follow the same procedure.


If you wish to use Miller Hall, the Goodman Courtyard or Mollie Wise Lobby for a reception, please schedule this with our Catering Manager, Eugene Williams, at the time you schedule the date of your service. Temple Israel has compiled a list of preferred Caterers who provide outstanding menus and service. Our Bar/Bat Mitzvah families are encouraged to take advantage of this opportunity. Please see Eugene for a copy of our up-dated list.


Special note:

When choosing a date, please take into consideration your child’s availability during the six months preceding his or her Bar/Bat Mitzvah, including summer months.

For more information, please contact our B'nai Mitzvah Coordinator at (323) 876-8330, ext. 218, or email kim@tioh.org