18 Months Before Your Bar Bat Mitzvah
• Set the date for the big day.
• Sign up with modernmitzvah.com and get involved in the chat rooms and blogs.
• Confirm Torah Portions with the Rabbi.
• Start preparing for the Dvar Torah by discussing one idea a day.
• Start talking about mitzvah projects.
• Book the synagogue.
• Start thinking about the guest list and number of kids to invite.
• Check out the ModernMitzvah.com local guides, and call the vendors that you are interested in.
12 Months Before Your Bar Bat Mitzvah
• Based on vendor proposals and guest count, begin to work out a budget.
• Once you're happy with the proposals and contracts hire the caterer, band/DJ, photographer, videographer.
• Find out the actual date for your child's tutoring.
• Find out the synagogue's time line for completing the dvar Torah, the mitzvah project, and other requirements.
• Start discussing the Torah as a family.
• Start thinking about your invitations and get ideas from ModernMitzvah.com's “Tip & Trends” section.
• Pick a theme and speak with a planner about making your ideas come to life.
• Build your own personal mitzvah website on ModernMitzvah.com – upload photos, tell your story, list the schedule of events, and more!
• If you have out-of-town guests coming, find a hotel in our directory, and reserve a block of rooms.
• As your family and close friends to mark the date on their calendars.
• Begin to attend Bar/Bat Mitzvah services to get a feel for the synagogues approach, and start preparing questions for the rabbi.
9 Months Before Your Bar Bat Mitzvah
• Set up a meeting with the rabbi, and start tutoring.
• Find out exactly what your child's responsibilities are, and get a clear time line of the progression of events.
• Find out exactly what your responsibilities are with regards to the service and the synagogue.
• Finalize your guest list, and use your personalized www.ModernMitzvah.com website to keep track of your RSVPs.
• Choose your invitations.
• Use your website to inform your guests of times, locations, festivities, and accommodations.
• Discuss your decorating plans, and hire a planner if you're using one.
6 Months Before Your Bar Bat Mitzvah
• Check with the tutor to see how your child is doing.
• Your child begins drafting the dvar Torah.
• If your son is laying tefillin, get them now, and have someone teach him the proper method.
• Finalize your centerpiece concept, and if you're making them yourself, start getting the materials together.
• Order special imprinted items: kippot and party favors, etc.
4 Months before Your Bar Bat Mitzvah
• Speak with the rabbi or cantor about special music or readings that you would like to have during the service.
• Start planning the menu.
• Start looking at cakes – find the sweetest treats in your area on ModernMitzvah.com.
• Start shopping for your wardrobe.
3 Months Before Your Bar Bat Mitzvah
• Check in with the tutor to see how your child is doing.
• Think about your speech and the possibility of adding special poems or readings.
• Write your first draft.
• Address and stuff your envelopes.
2 Months Before Your Bar Bat Mitzvah
• Prepare the list of aliyot, and practice the Hebrew readings.
• Mail the out-of-town invitations.
• Speak with the banquet manager at the reception hall to go over the setting of the tables.
• Make some plans to do something relaxing on the day before the service.
6 Weeks Before Your Bar Bat Mitzvah
• Meet with the DJ to choose the song list and games.
• Parents, finalize your speech.
• Help your child with the dvar Torah and write a thank you speech.
• Follow up with all of your vendors to be sure that your requirements will be met.
• Use your personal www.ModernMitzvah.com web page to inform guests of times, location, accommodations, and events.
• Make sure all of your out-of-town guests have transportation to your service and reception.
3 Weeks Before Your Bar Bat Mitzvah
• Give your caterer the final guest count. You might need to call the guests that you haven't heard from.
• Build your seating chart and create the escort cards.
• Get all of your alterations done.
• Make up your welcome baskets for out-of-town guests and arrange for them to be placed in the hotel rooms.
• Start working on the bathroom decorations and necessities.
• Arrange for transportation of children from the synagogue to the reception.
1 Week Before Your Bar Bat Mitzvah
• Hold your service rehearsal in the synagogue.
• Give Aliyah list to the rabbi or the cantor.
• Give a last “head-up” call to all of your vendors to double check times, location, and responsibilities.
• Relax, it's going to be wonderful!
The Day Before Your Bar Bat Mitzvah
• Take a long walk in the park with your child, and let he or she know how proud you are of them and of the work they've accomplished.
• Enjoy your prearranged plans for the day.
