B'nei Mitzvah

The joy and pride of watching your child become a bar or bat mitzvah at University Synagogue is hard to describe. Students say that the b’nei mitzvah experience at University Synagogue is both challenging and rewarding, becoming a moment they can look back upon with pride! Parents describe the b’nei mitzvah program as one of the “most special things we do at University.”

Our students individually study with and get to know our clergy - Cantor Kerith Spencer-Shapiro, Rabbi Barry Lutz, and Cantorial Intern, Ze’evi Berman. Each b’nei mitzvah student selects a Mitzvah Project, symbolic of their entrance into the adult Jewish Community. Some examples of projects our students have chosen are: planting trees in Israel to help raise awareness for environmental issues; volunteering at the Miracle Project, a theatre program for kids with special needs; volunteering through LA Public Library to help kids learn how to read; working with Heal the Bay to keep our oceans safe; teaching sports skills to those unable to afford lessons or to kids with developmental challenges; and more. Our students may choose to take part in the Golden Kippah Program. This program is a special opportunity for students in the year leading up to their b’nei mitzvah to perform mitzvot above and beyond the norm including: acts of love and kindness, community service, attending services, Torah study, and more.

B'nei Mitzvah Student & Family Resources

B'nei Mitzvah Protocols - Updated 8.18.2020

B'nei Mitzvah Prayers
B'nei Mitzvah Torah Portions
B'nei Mitzvah Manual

Adapted Golden Kippah during Stay at Home Orders