Guide • Jewish life
Bar mitzvah & bat mitzvah planning timeline
A 12-month roadmap covering the religious milestones and the logistical ones — parsha, tutoring, d'var Torah, kiddush, party, and family roles.
12 months out
- Confirm date with your synagogue (the parsha for that Shabbat is set).
- Begin Hebrew tutoring if needed.
- Book venue if hosting a party off-site.
6 months out
- Start learning Torah and Haftarah portion with cantor or tutor.
- Begin drafting the d'var Torah — read the parsha guide.
- Identify a tzedakah / mitzvah project the child cares about.
3 months out
- Order tallit and kippot.
- Finalize aliyot honors (who reads which blessing).
- Plan the kiddush — sponsored by family or community.
1 month out
- Run-through with the rabbi/cantor.
- Send the d'var Torah for feedback.
- Confirm aliyot list with the gabbai.
D'var Torah outline (use this)
- One-sentence summary of the parsha.
- The question the parsha raised for you.
- What you learned (cite one commentator — Rashi, Ramban, or modern).
- How you'll live it out (tie to your mitzvah project).
- Thank-yous (parents, grandparents, tutor, community).
Make it a community moment
Many families use Faith Common's congregation mode to run a private group for relatives — share the d'var Torah draft, post photos, and keep everyone on the same parsha during the year of preparation.