The goal of the B'nai Mitzvah program at CAS is to equip students with the tools and knowledge necessary to be an active participant in worship services throughout their lifetime. Students begin preparation for B'nai Mitzvah 6 months prior to their date. They acquire a thorough knowledge of both Torah and Haftarah Trope, and apply that knowledge toward learning their assigned material. By the end of their studies, most students have the skills to learn any other Torah or Haftarah portion that may be assigned to them in the future.
After Torah is mastered, study progresses to the service itself. Students progress at their own speed, and have the choice of leading as much of the Friday night and Saturday morning service as they can learn. Through participation in Torah Troop, the bi-monthly Shabbat service for pre-Bnai Mitzvah students, most students are already familiar with many parts of the service before formal tutoring begins.
Students also prepare a d'var Torah, which they will present during the service.
