B’nai Torah welcomes the opportunity to participate in Life Cycle Events of our members, including Bar or Bat Mitzvah celebrations, wedding receptions, birthday and anniversary parties, and special occasions.

Events can be held in the Social Hall of the synagogue. The laws of Kashrut apply to all food service arrangements and, if the event is held during Shabbat, entertainment is to be in keeping with the observances of the day. Specific guidelines are available in the B’nai Torah Office.

Scheduling:
The requested use of the Social Hall must be scheduled well in advance of a function. Reservations must be made through the synagogue office.

Catering Services:
The synagogue reserves the right to approve any catering service involved with a special event. The office has a list of caterers whose standards of Kashrut meet synagogue guidelines.

For all of the following Life Events, please contact the Executive Director execdir@bnaitorah.org at the synagogue office for more information.

BIRTHS:
The arrival of a new baby is a cause for rejoicing, not only by the immediate and extended family, but also by the Congregation and the community at large. A new child represents a world of possibilities and promise, and everyone at B’nai Torah is happy to share in this Simcha. Members can arrange for a Brit Milah for their new son, either at the family's home , the synagogue, or even the hospital with the Rabbi in attendance. The Rabbi can recommend a qualified Mohel to perform the actual circumcision. The birth of a baby girl may be celebrated by bringing her to synagogue on a day when the Torah is read, and the Rabbi may conduct an additional ceremony, at home, with other friends and family.

BAR/BAT MITZVAHS:
The mission of B’nai Torah’s Bar/Bat Mitzvah program is to provide Jewish education and knowledge; to facilitate positive Jewish identities, values and relationships; and to promote lifelong interests in and observance of Judaism. A visible testimony to a student's mastery of the basics of Judaica and Hebrew is shared by the family with the congregation on the occasion of Bar or Bat Mitzvah.

WEDDINGS:
An engaged couple who wishes to be married by B’nai Torah’s Rabbi, whether at the synagogue or at another location, should contact the Office at least 6 months in advance to secure the date and confirm the Rabbi’s availability.

Aufruf On the Shabbat morning prior to a wedding, many couples request an Aliyah during the Torah Service, after which the Rabbi offers the bride and groom a special blessing. The Office needs advance notice in order to schedule this honor.

COMPASSION & CARING:
Congregation B’nai Torah is proud of the many ways in which members are encouraged to reach out to each other - in times of joy and in times of sadness. Several committees organize informal care taking activities for families, to provide a sense of support and community during a sorrowful time.

In the difficult times that follow a family death, there are many arrangements to be made. These include contacting the Chevra Kaddisha, making arrangements for the burial, and making preparations for Shiva and Minyans. We ask that, in the event of bereavement, our office staff be informed as soon as possible so that we can help by contacting our Chevra Kaddisha and Chesed committees.

If contact must be made after normal business hours, the Rabbi may also be reached on his cell phone (404-788-7357). If, for some reason, neither the Rabbi nor office staff (404-257-0537) is immediately available, then one of the funeral homes should be contacted.

The funeral homes are:
Jewish Funeral Care: 770-451-4999
Sandy Springs Chapel: 404-255-8511
Arlington Chapel: 404-851-9900

Rabbi Heller may also be reached for other emergencies and illnesses.