There are many opportunities to honor family, friends and significant people in the life of the B’nai Mitzvah during the course of our service.
To be called forward for an aliyah, to recite the blessings over the reading of Torah, is a special honor in Jewish tradition. Jewish grandparents, aunts, uncles, siblings over the age of 13, extended family, and close friends might be honored.
The honor of the 3rd aliyah is customarily, but not mandatorily, accepted by the guardians of the B’nai Mitzvah. The B’nai Mitzvah commonly accepts the 4th aliyah
Family, friends, and special guests of any age and religious background might be honored as Torah undresser(s)/dresser(s).
One or two people might help remove and replace the cover and ornaments from the Torah.
Another honor might be helping with kiddush or Havdalah, the final part of the ceremony and with the blessing over bread.
Name(s):
Hebrew:
Aliyah 1: [Including relationship and Hebrew name]
Aliyah 2: [Including relationship and Hebrew name]
Aliyah 3: [Often guardians, including Hebrew name]
Aliyah 4: [B’nai Mitzvah, including Hebrew name]
Torah Undresser(s)/Dresser(s):
Kiddush or Havdalah, Motzi:
Kiddush: A ritual blessing over wine or grape juice on Shabbat or a holy day.
Havdalah: Hebrew for ‘separation,’ it is the ceremony at the end of the Sabbath or a holy day. Motzi: Blessing recited over Challah/bread.
Other/Mourner’s Kaddish:
B’nai Mitzvah Card Template
• Will include your child’s photo on front and bio on the back
• Half-sheet size
• Bar Mitzvah, Bat Mitzvah & Brit Mitzvah versions available
• For families who opted in for printed cards, staff will place them at the appropriate location on the day of the service.
Biography text
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Itaerferum es ium et, voluptaspe nihillabore re mi, cor ant voluptae ipsum quibusdae la dia saecatquo es sunturia quibust volut liti officia voluptatem reperiatia quas doloreperum et im volorpos ea niet ut acepel ex exerum rest es quid magnatem. Musa quid mi, veliqua spictur magnam estiand amendipsam vellese ditatio nsequam quae sitatis dipsusd aepedio sandus, et as et repro everro ium dolorerum endae volo corest, tecus abore prae nulpa porum faccuptatat esequatur? Quis ab ipid quis sam seque acepudi volorecerro volupicat.
Bat Mitzvah of Photo Here
Name
Hebrew Name
Month 00, 2025 Hebrew Date
TBD will chant from TBD Pages TBD, from JPS Hebrew-English TaNaKh.
Parasha Rabbi
Aliyah: The person going up to say the blessing over the reading of the Torah.
Ark: The ornate cabinet behind the bimah where the Torah Scrolls are housed.
Bimah: The pulpit.
Bar: Aramaic word for son.
Bat: Aramaic word for daughter.
Brit: Gender neutral designation.
Mitzvah: Hebrew word for one commandment. The Torah contains 613 Mitzvot.
Haftarah: An additional reading from the Prophets.
Ner Tamid: Eternal light, which hangs above the ark, represents the continuity of Jewish tradition and the everlasting presence of God.
Tallit: Prayer shawl.
Torah: The Torah is the most sacred possession of the Jewish people. In its most literal sense, it refers to the first five books of the Hebrew Bible. In its broadest sense, the Torah represents the full body of wisdom and laws of the Jewish people.
Torah Portion: A portion of the Torah is read consecutively each week so that over the course of a year it is read in its entirety. On any given Shabbat, the same Torah portion is read in synagogues throughout the world, thus binding the Jewish people together in a special way.
Shabbat Blessings
Candle blessing recited on Friday Night Shabbat only
BLESSINGS FOR SHABBAT
The candles are lit before the blessing is recited.
Blessed are you, Adonai our God, Sovereign of the universe, who hallows us with mitzvot, commanding us to kindle the light of Shabbat.
Friday night and Saturday morning blessings for Shabbat
Baruch atah, Adonai
Eloheinu, Melech haolam, borei p’ri hagafen.
FOR WINE
Our praise to you, Adonai our God, Sovereign of the universe, Creator of the fruit of the vine.
FOR FOOD
Baruch atah, Adonai Eloheinu, Melech haolam, hamotzi lechem min haaretz.
Our praise to you, Adonai our God, Sovereign of the universe, who brings forth bread from the earth.
Havdalah Blessings
Havdalah blessings on Saturday evening
Havdalah Blessings Cont.
Torah Blessings
Blessings read by those given an Aliyah
B’nai Mitzvah Fee
The B’nai Mitzvah fee is separate from the Religion School fee. It must be fully paid before training begins. In addition, membership and all other fees must be current. Gaurdians may pay in full at the time of the FBME to “lock in” the price. If you choose to pay just before the six-month deadline, you will pay the then-current rate. You will receive a reminder to pay the fee before you can begin scheduling. No appointments can be made until payment has been received, so please make certain to set up a payment plan or pay on time.
The following goods and services are included in the B’nai Mitzvah Fee:
Administrative support to help plan the big day including but not limited to the B’nai Mitzvah Coordinator, Clergy, Publications Department, Security, Facilities Staff, Musicians, Educators, and the BFRS Team.
B’nai Mitzvah Training
• Virtual 20-minute weekly 1:1 tutoring sessions
• Study Material
• Scheduling Support
• Note: if staff assessment indicates that additional tutoring beyond the standard scheduled training is required, the family will be responsible for paying the tutor directly. Temple can provide you with a list of recommended tutors.
Use of Facility for Ceremony
• Facility use, security, and Temple Service staff support during B’nai Mitzvah ceremony.
• ADDITIONAL COST: Kindly note that TDHS assumes responsibility for security expenses incurred during your family’s service. Congregants are accountable for all security-related costs and associated fees pertaining to any rentals or events outside of the primary ceremony. Refer to the rentals and fees section for further details.
Ceremonial Kiddush
• Challah and grape juice will be provided for ceremonial Kiddush at conclusion of service.
B’nai Mitzvah Card
• A photo of your B’nai Mitzvah candidate(s) and standard B’nai Mitzvah text will be produced by Temple for use at service. Families may create & supply their own program; see page 9 for details.
B’nai Mitzvah Rental Guide
Rental Rates
Rental rates are subject to change. We are working to make the process simpler, clearer, and easier to navigate. Updated rates will be shared as soon as they are finalized.
Rental Spaces Available
Free Foyer Option
If you’d like a simple, grab-and-go standing option, the Bellevue foyer and Seattle foyer are available at no cost. Please note:
• You may use the foyer for up to 1 hour after the service ends.
• Space is provided as is, no custom setup.
• Limited staff support; you are responsible for set-up and clean-up.
• Designated tables already in the foyer are available (tablecloths not included).
• Food must be removed or discarded before leaving.
• This is not a rental, just use of the foyer area.
• Please check with the Event Manager to confirm whether this option works for your event; it may not be suitable for large gatherings.
Rental Reservations & Event Guidelines
Timing
• Luncheons may last up to 3 hours (11:30am–2:30pm).
• Evening receptions may last up to 4 hours (6:00–10:00pm).
• All vendors must be fully off the premises within one hour of the rental end time.
• Additional fees will apply if the event extends beyond the agreed rental period.
Booking Your Space
• Reservations are first-come, first-served until six months before the event date, with one rental per location per day. After that point, B’nai Mitzvah families no longer have priority for a room rental; other events may be scheduled, and reservations are not available if the space is already booked.
• Your event is fully reserved after we receive a $250 deposit
• Full payment of rental is due at least 30 days before event date.
• Facilities Use Agreement must be signed before event date.
• Connect with the Event Manager for rental inquiries.
• There will be a refundable damage deposit.
Set-Up
• Security is required for all rentals.
• You may enter the Temple 1.5 hours before your service: 9:00 AM for a 10:30 AM service; 3:30 PM for a 5:00 PM service.
• Additional set-up time must be approved in advance; extra fees may apply.
• Temple staff handles setting up and breaking down tables, chairs, and some AV equipment; no other event set up or clean up tasks.
What’s Included
• Available parking
• Buffet tables
• Round Dining tables
• Cocktail tables (limited number)
• Chairs Not Included
• Linens/tablecloths
• Setting or clearing tables
• Plates, cups, utensils, napkins
Food & Catering Information
• All food must come from a commercial kitchen (no homemade food).
• Food must be kosher style: no pork, shellfish, or mixing meat and dairy in the same dish.
• Any caterer serving food onsite must be on the approved list or complete the approval process in advance.
• If food is being delivered only and the kitchen will not be used, an approved caterer is not required; however, all food must be prepared in a commercial kitchen (such as a restaurant or grocery store)
Facility Use & Safety Rules
• Hosts must monitor guests, including minors, at all times.
• We require a minimum supervision ratio of one adult for every ten children. Families are encouraged to hire an adult to help supervise children.
• No fog, confetti, or bubble machines are allowed.
• Entertainment systems beyond sound and light require prior approval.
• Only blue painter’s tape may be used for hanging decorations.
• Your rental includes use of the specific room(s) reserved, as well as access to restrooms and designated parking areas. The rental does not include use of other areas of the building.
• Families and vendors are responsible for removing all items brought onsite.
• Flowers may be placed in the sanctuary and other areas as appropriate. All other decorations are limited to the following spaces: the Social Hall (Bellevue), the Annex, and the Jaffe Room (Seattle).
Vendors & Deliveries
• Please let the Event Manager know about any planned deliveries in advance.
• All deliveries must occur during business hours (Mon–Fri, 9 AM–5 PM).
• Florists may deliver during business hours or otherwise discuss with Event Manager.
• Photography/videography: You may use any photographer/videographer.
• The Temple can provide a list of commonly used vendors upon request.
• No flash photography during services.
• Photos/video during services allowed only if the photographer is stationary and non-disruptive.
• Photos before the service are allowed if the space is available.
• For photos/video with the Torah, the presiding rabbi must be present. Please coordinate through the B’nai Mitzvah Coordinator.
Livestreaming & Recording
• We offer live streaming for guests who are joining remotely, and a recording will be available a few days after the service. Families may choose between a standard stream or a produced option.
• Static Livestream (Included – No Cost): Fixed camera angle (no zooming or panning), covers the entire bimah.
• Operated Livestream (Optional Upgrade – $249): An online operator actively switches between cameras, includes zooming, panning, and closeups of participants. More dynamic than the static stream, though not a substitute for a videographer. Occasional brief lag may occur when moving between camera views.
• Important Notes: Streaming is managed by a third party. Temple facilities staff handle setup but do not monitor the livestream in real time. Technical issues are rare but possible. Families should assign a point person to confirm the stream is running smoothly and to coordinate with staff if needed. The Temple is not liable for technical issues, but staff will assist when possible.
• If you prefer not to have the service livestreamed, please let the Event Manager know. We can still record the service.
