Congregation Etz Chayim is more interested in teaching our students the skills needed for beginning a life of synagogue leadership than the ability to conduct one conclusive performance which ends their formal Jewish instruction. Therefore, we ask our tutors to teach our students in that spirit.
Realizing that there is only so much time allotted to ensure the proper ability of the student to chant her/his portions, and that time is money, we ask that parents, students, and tutors realize that the real goal is the skill to be learned, not just the performance on the day of their ceremony.
Thus, in addition to preparing the students' portions and prayers, we ask that each tutorial session begin with chanting the names of the trope signs themselves (comparable to piano students warming up with scales, etc.)
Tactics
As not every student will be successful, please teach them their portions in from end to beginning.Additionally, start with the haftarah, then the maftir, then back up any other Torah readings in descending order (eg: shishi, chamishi, etc.).
PLEASE DO NOT GIVE THEM "BAR MITZVAH PAMPHLETS!"
Have the student use their Torah as well as Tikkun!
Help them learn to find Torah verses in the Tikkun.
They have a sheet that helps them learn how to do that.
Have them find the Haftarah verses in their Torah books.
Teach them the blessings and prayers from the prayerbook.
We want them to learn how to navigate these sources.
Acceptable Tropes to be taught
Congregation Etz Chayim does not have an "official" trope. Acceptable tropes are
"HUC" trope, provided on a CD by the congregation
the "standard JTS" trope, anything resembling it
trope approved by the rabbi of Congregation Etz Chayim.
Bar/t Mitzvah skills to be learned
Conducting the service
from the Amidah through the Torah Service
the Aleynu
Ayn kElokeynu or Yigdal
the Kiddush and Motzi which inaugurate the Oneg Shabbat.
Reading from the Torah
The Bar/t Mitzvah will
choose and chant approximately 21 verses from the Torah reading for that date.
will always chant the maftir portion
will chant the Haftarah for that date/Torah portion
These verses chosen
may be from anywhere in the reading
might not be contiguous
are chosen in consultation with the rabbi of Congregation Etz Chayim.
Where there are Ashkenazi vs. Sfardi Haftarot possible, the Bar/t Mitzvah may choose which one.
Final Notes
Our Tutor liason, Sheri Morrison will monitor their progress.
Do not abridge or amend their portions without first consulting the rabbi.
Questions? Contact Rabbi Ari Cartun
(650) 813-9094 x213
