Bar/Bat Mitzvah Guide - Temple Ner Tamid

Bar/Bat Mitzvah Guidebook (v1.0) Page 13 of 16String and reed instruments, limited to violin, viola, cello, bass, guitar, piano and clarinet,plus flute, recorder and accordion, are permissible, providing that they are not electrified.Hand drums are also permitted.Only musicians approved and certified by the Ritual Committee will be permitted. Musiciansmay apply for such approval and certification at any time.Musicians are not permitted to bring their own amplification system. However, they arepermitted to use the synagogue’s microphones if they so desire.Musicians are expected to be respectful of Shabbat and the holidays in work, dress anddeed. They are expected to refrain from smoking within the synagogue building. They arenot permitted to ask for or accept payment on Shabbat and holidays.A member of the family or a musician may act as “emcee” in the spirit of Shabbat toencourage singing and dancing and participation.Note that the problem of repairing instruments that breaks down is the basis of the traditionalinjunction against music on Shabbat and holidays. But we are not persuaded that musicalinstruments that break down will be repaired on the spot, and we consider the issue to be artificial.We do not prohibit the use of electricity in the synagogue on Shabbat. We use the microphoneand we act in conformity with the liberal Conservative interpretation of electricity that closing acircuit does not kindle fire. In fact, we avoid the use of a "shabbos goy" – we turn lights on and off.We also use the thermostat, although that is closely tied to the use of fire, since it is a necessaryaspect of the operation of the synagogue.TZEDAKAHParents should discuss the Jewish value of giving with their Bar/Bat Mitzvah child. No greaterlesson can be conveyed to your child than to understand that a certain percentage of moneyreceived for a happy occasion should be given to charity. At Temple Ner Tamid, we encourage theBar/Bat Mitzvah children to make donations to the synagogue or to any charity of their choice.We urge parents to contribute at least 3% of the total cost of their Bar/Bat Mitzvah parties(including flowers, photography, etc.) to MAZON, a Jewish project in response to the scourge ofhunger at home and abroad. Small printed cards are available to inform your guests at the receptionthat a donation is being made to MAZON. Three percent is a small "surtax" on your affair, yet thecombined donations of Bar/Bat Mitzvah parents from throughout America adds up to a significantcontribution to the struggle against hunger.Other options for giving include: the Lappin Foundation’s “B’nai Tzedek” program, and theJewish Family Service’s bimah food baskets and table centerpieces. The Rabbi will be happy todiscuss these mitzvah opportunities with you.WHEN PARENTS ARE DIVORCED OR SEPARATEDWhatever problems may exist in a family relationship, the synagogue stands ready to givesupport. We understand that each divorce or separation situation is an individual case. The Rabbiand the Cantor will do everything in their power to orchestrate a harmonious service andcelebration, with the understanding that both parents are prepared to behave in ways that willserve the child's best interests.Temple Ner Tamid ● 368 Lowell Street ● Peabody, MA 01960 ● 978-532-1293templenertamid@verizon.net ● www.templenertamid.com