FAQ

Can I request a particular NSCI rabbi to officiate at my child’s service?

Yes. Email Jennifer McKeag to request a rabbi with whom you or your child has a relationship. Please note, however, that many factors go into determining the officiating rabbi, including their schedules the day of and in the months preceding (for d'var torah and family meetings). Requests are honored when possible, but cannot be guaranteed. Clergy assignments are made approximately four months before the service.

When can I have photos taken?

Your family is welcome to schedule photographs in the sanctuary and on the grounds. To book a time, email Glenn Simon. Glenn will help you schedule photos during the week. Day-of photos are sometimes possible, and Glenn will let you know if that is the case on the date of your service.

How do we decide who will participate in the service? 

An honors meeting will be scheduled once your officiating rabbi is assigned. At that meeting (typically a month before the service), the rabbi will help you determine who will have honors, such as aliyot, opening the ark, etc. 

What if a family member wants to read Torah in addition to the b’nei mitzvah student?

If you have a family member who is an experienced Torah reader, and you’d like them to read Torah at your service, please contact Jennifer McKeag at least 9 months before the service, or before tutoring begins. This allows us to plan ahead appropriately. The rabbi will let your family member know what verses to read. 

Can non-Jewish family members participate in the service?

Absolutely! We honor and welcome all people who are part of our Jewish community, including family and friends of other faith backgrounds. Talk with your officiating rabbi at the honors meeting about how you might like to include them in the ceremony.

Why do you use the term “b’nei mitzvah”?

The term “b’nei mitzvah” is both the plural form of “bar or bat mitzvah” and also can serve as non-gendered language to include non-binary or gender non-conforming individuals. 

For 7th Graders:

There’s no 7th grade Hebrew option listed in the school registration. How will my child continue their Hebrew studies? 

My child’s b’nei mitzvah is early in the school year. Does that mean they shouldn’t sign up for the 7th grade religious school class?

All 7th graders should participate in the 7th grade class for the entirety of the school year.  The class focuses on Jewish Studies, as Hebrew is taught during b’nei mitzvah tutoring. An NSCI faculty member teaches the class with our clergy present on a regular basis. The focus of the class is on what all this Jewish “stuff” means to the 7th grader personally, what they want to take from their education and apply to the world, and how being Jewish impacts their self-identity and their community. They also delve into some powerful Holocaust learning. This class is a meaningful part of the b’nei mitzvah experience and your child’s education. 7th grade tuition is included in your b'nei mitzvah fee.