A Bar or Bat Mitzvah is one who has reached the age of responsibility for the observance of the commandments (mitzvot) of the Torah. Though a young Jew is considered a responsible Jewish adult once he or she has turned the proper age, for centuries families have marked the young person’s new status with rituals at a prayer service. At Temple Sinai, our young people study in our religious school twice a week from second grade on, learning Hebrew and Jewish tradition. When the child reaches the age of ten, families choose a date for celebrating a child’s Bar or Bat Mitzvah.

Two years before that date, our students are expected to begin attending Shabbat services on a regular basis in order to become familiar with the flow of traditional prayer.

Six months to one year before the chosen date, each student begins private lessons with the cantor to learn the segments of the service he or she will lead. In addition, our B’nai Mitzvah students prepare a series of short speeches to be delivered at the service on their special day.

The joy of celebration continues following the service, when the entire congregation joins the celebrating family and their invited guests at the Kiddush, for Temple Sinai sees each Bar or Bat Mitzvah celebration as a community simhah, an occasion for communal rejoicing.

Mazal tov on the birth of your daughter!  We at Temple Sinai would love to help you introduce her into the Jewish community through the official bestowing of a Jewish name.

in Europe, generally name their children after relatives who have passed away. Sefardi Jews – those whose roots are in the Middle East or North Africa, generally name their children after living relatives. The rabbi will be delighted to help figure out an appropriate Jewish name.

Traditionally a baby girl is named at a Torah reading shortly after her birth. The ceremony involves either one parent or both parents receiving an aliyah, the opportunity to recite the blessings over a segment of the Torah reading for that service. Immediately following that reading, the rabbi or cantor recites a prayer naming the child. The baby need not be present for the ceremony, although the occasion is certainly enhanced by her presence.

Torah readings occur every Monday and Thursday morning as well as on Shabbat morning and Shabbat afternoon. It is traditional for the family to sponsor the Kiddush following a Shabbat morning service, or to provide the traditional 3rd meal after the Shabbat afternoon service. The rabbi can help you find an appropriate date on the synagogue’s calendar for the ceremony.

In recent years a second ritual for naming a baby girl, known as Zeved ha-Bat or Simhat Bat, has been developed. This ritual is often carried out in the family’s home and involves readings and prayers chosen by the parents for this special occasion, in consultation with the rabbi. Grandparents and other relatives and friends can participate in the ceremony as the parents and rabbi develop the service which will be unique for this newborn. Though this ritual requires some pre-planning, many families find the experience very meaningful. Consult with the rabbi for ideas.

Please call Temple Sinai for information:  845-343-1861

Please call Temple Sinai for information:  845-343-1861

When a death occurs, please contact Rabbi Rubenstein at 845-343-1861 before contacting a funeral home or making arrangements. In the event of a death, we are prepared to provide all possible guidance and assistant to all members of Ohr Kodesh. Coordinators from the Chevra Kadisha Committee will be assigned to assist the bereaved family.

Temple Sinai has established a tradition of meeting the needs of our members, from birth through the entire life cycle. The final act of burial is considered a special Mitzvah Shel Emet, a Mitzvah of Truth. In this spirit, we are proud that Temple Sinai Cemetary is located at 2420 Route 302, Circleville NY 10919. Click here for directions. These spaces are available to congregants, extended family members and friends of Temple Sinai. Advance planning has biblical origins. Abraham secured a plot of land for burial long before owning a homeland. Advance commitment of cemetery property is a thoughtful, loving and considerate act; sparing survivors from making complicated business decisions at the time of emotional grief.