A Bar or Bat Mitzvah is an incredible honor and one of Judaism’s most treasured traditions. It’s also a huge commitment, both for parents and for the kid of honor. Having an incredible community to guide you through the preparation process can be invaluable as your child approaches their season of b’nai mitzvah studies. Here in Seattle, Temple De Hirsch Sinai is an incredible, open-hearted, and forward-thinking congregation that welcomes families from all walks of life to celebrate their child as b’nai mitzvah in a loving, supportive, and encouraging environment.
About the Temple De Hirsch Sinai
Seattle Campus / Alhadeff Sanctuary: 1441 16th Ave, Seattle, WA 98122
Bellevue Campus: 3850 156th Ave SE, Bellevue, WA 98006
Temple De Hirsch Sinai has a long history with many incredible moments throughout its 125 years of existence. It was founded in 1899 on principles of Reform Jewish thought by a gathering of seven Jewish men. Over the years, Temple De Hirsch Sinai saw the leadership of many new synagogues and many new Rabbis, most of whom were very active with movements of social justice and equality. The synagogue also has a rich musical history; Samuel Goldfarb, composer of the Hanukkah classic “I Had a Little Dreidel,” served as the music director in the 1930s, and in 1960, a young Jimi Hendrix played his first gig in the temple’s Jaffe Room. Interfaith collaboration and discussion has always been at the heart of Temple De Hirsch Sinai’s practices, including throughout the Civil Rights Movement and today on important topics like reproductive rights and gun reform.
Today, Temple De Hirsch Sinai is the largest Reform congregation in the Pacific Northwest. Over 1,500 families are a part of their community, spread across two beautiful Seattle-area campuses.
The All-Inclusive Temple
While the buildings and faces of Temple De Hirsch Sinai have inevitably changed over time, there are still important similarities that prevail. Temple De Hirsch Sinai is committed to working towards a better world, “prioritizing social justice, education, and equality among all people.” They believe that “doing good” is also “doing Jewish.” Their inclusive community welcomes Jewish and interfaith families, singles, parents, Jews of color, the young, the elderly, LGBTQ+ families, and individuals of all abilities.
It is this open-hearted approach to community that makes Temple De Hirsch Sinai such a special place for a Mitzvah. Your child is about to become a part of something so much larger than themselves, a community of empathy, justice, and advocacy that will help them become the strong leader and amazing human they are destined to be.
Mitzvahs at Temple De Hirsch Sinai
No matter what observance of Judaism you consider yourself, becoming a b’nai mitzvah is a big deal. Not only is your child growing up and becoming a part of the Jewish community as an adult, but they’re also dedicating themselves to years of study, improvement, and preparation to do so. That’s really something worth celebrating!
Technically speaking, the journey to becoming b’nai mitzvah begins as soon as your child starts their Jewish education, even if it’s as early as daycare or Pre-K! The longer they have to gain confidence in their Jewish pride and actively engage within the Jewish community, the more prepared they will feel as they approach their big day on the bimah.
To be a b’nai mitzvah at Temple De Hirsch Sinai, your family must be members of the congregation. Your child must also be enrolled in the Bridge Family Religion School (more on that in just a moment!) Attendance in Hebrew school is closely monitored, too. Ensuring that your child is as actively engaged as possible in their journey to becoming a b’nai mitzvah. You should also note that, in addition to religious school, b’nai mitzvah students are required to attend at least one service a month. So, they familiarize themselves with prayers and songs.
One of the best parts about having a b’nai mitzvah at Temple De Hirsch Sinai is the flexibility they offer families. Whether you’re working on a crunched timeline, have an interfaith family, or if your child has special needs, the temple’s b’nai mitzvah team and rabbis will work with you to ensure your student has the opportunity to participate in such a momentous occasion.
Bridge Family Religion School
Enrollment in the Bridge Family Religion School is a great way to help your child prepare for their b’nai mitzvah as early as kindergarten. But the Jennifer Rosen Meade Preschool gives them an even earlier start! They’ll learn about Jewish traditions and heritage through interactive programming, community-building activities, and timely conversations. These allow students to explore their Jewish identity. Students will also learn Hebrew and build a close network of peers and teachers. All who will be active participants in their journey to becoming a b’nai mitzvah.
When you’re ready to get your child started on b’nai mitzvah preparations, you’ll just need to pay the current fee. The fee includes all tutoring, rehearsals, meetings with the Rabbi, and musicians/rabbi officiation on the day of your service. If the cost is prohibitive to your family at all, be sure to inquire about their scholarship opportunities. Everyone should get the chance to work to be a b’nai mitzvah!
Youth Group
Unfortunately, in a lot of Jewish communities, once a child becomes a b’nai mitzvah, their engagement starts to fade. At Temple De Hirsch Sinai, however, their youth group, TDSY, offers a variety of opportunities for them to stay involved. TDSY offers continued growth and exploration of Jewish identity in a fun environment. Monthly programs and events encourage high schoolers to meet new people and try new activities. These include activities like laser tag, social action programs, and even baking challahs. Tri-Temple Schul-Ins, seasonal leadership events, and a “weekend of summer camp” are other great perks to staying involved with TDSY long after your b’nai mitzvah has come and gone.
You Will Love The Family and Community At Temple De Hirsch Sinai
Temple De Hirsch Sinai is an incredible congregation with a strong mission and a commitment to social equality and justice. It’s also an amazing community to welcome your child to Jewish independence and integrity with an honorable b’nai mitzvah experience. If you’re considering joining the congregation, then it’s well worth the time to visit the campus nearest you. Then, meet with some of the incredible people who make Temple de Hirsch Sinai the amazing place it is today. Don’t forget to enroll your kiddo in a religious school as soon as possible. The earlier they start, the more prepared they’ll be when their big day comes!
If you have an upcoming Mitzvah, then I would love to connect. As a preferred photographer of Temple De Hirsch Sinai, I highly encourage families to capture this moment with someone even the temple trusts! I adore helping parents look back on this amazing celebration. If you’ve been considering booking a photographer for your child’s Mitzvah, then let’s chat so you can decide if my style is right for you. So, get the conversation started by contacting me today!
