Scheduling Bar/Bat Mitzvah Dates:

As a rule of thumb, your child will be starting the Gimel (5th grade) class at CSI when the scheduling process begins.  Please note:  Dates are scheduled for all children born in the calendar year we are focused on, regardless of what grade they are in, or whether they attend Day School or CSI Religious School.  For instance we just finished scheduling Bar/Bat Mitzvah dates for ALL CSI MEMBER CHILDREN BORN IN THE YEAR 2001.   Again, it is possible that your child will be in the Bet (4th grade) class, or may not attend our Religious School at all:  Each child is included.  BAR/BAT MITZVAH AT CSI IS DETERMINED BY BIRTH DATE NOT BY GRADE.    

The process for date selection is collaborative at CSI.  We provide you with the information you need to make your date request (i.e. your child's Hebrew birthday and first possible shabbat as well as all available dates at CSI), and you provide us with three dates in order of preference.  All requests are in writing, as are the specifics about which child/children with whom you do not wish to be doubled should the need arise.    

 If there are extenuating circumstances that require special attention on our part (i.e. the need for a non-shabbat date in order to accommodate shomer shabbat family and friends), we ask that you provide us with brief but clear details so that we are aware of your needs.   

When you receive your date scheduling packet, it's best that you read it through.  At that point, we are here to answer your questions so DO NOT HESITATE to contact us.  Every member of the professional staff is available to discuss concerns, answer questions and clarify procedures and requirements.  NO QUESTION IS SILLY AND YOU ARE NEVER BOTHERING US!   

To streamline the flow of information to and from CSI, it's best to initiate your contact through Ellen Johnson, the Rabbi's Assistant.  Ellen will help you understand anything that is not clear to you and will be sure your questions are answered by the appropriate member of the CSI staff.  (Click here)  

Once all the date requests have been received the first draft of a schedule is created by Rabbi Kane, the Ritual Committee and the Rabbi's Assistant.  Should a conflict arise during this process, we ALWAYS contact the family in question to discuss potential solutions.  CSI NEVER SELECTS A DATE THAT YOU HAVE NOT REQUESTED!   

Because our primary concern is to fulfill each family's request, we find that the process can take longer than might be expected.  THE NEEDS OF EACH FAMILY ARE EQUALLY IMPORTANT FROM OUR PERSPECTIVE.    

 The preliminary list is sent to the entire group at once via e-mail as soon as it is completed.  At that time, date change requests may be made as needed.  On the day of the deadline (generally 3 weeks from the date the calendar goes out), we review, re-schedule and re-send.  Well, it's not quite that fast...but we get it done in the least possible amount of time.    2014 First Draft 

In answer to the often asked question about whether we concern ourselves with Bat/Bat Mitzvah dates at other local synagogues, the answer is "Sorry, we do not."   Conflicts will happen;  we hope that you will compile whatever information is pertinent to YOU before you make your date request.  That said, there is always an opportunity to change your date should a conflict arise down the road.   It's a little more difficult since there is far less flexibility on the calendar at that point but we will always do our best to see if we can make things easier for you.    

 REMEMBER:  BAR/BAT MITZVAH IS A JOYFUL EXPERIENCE!