BMitzvah Logistics

A basic Jewish education and participation in the BMitzvah journey are privileges of membership at NVHC. All NVHC members are expected to provide financial support to NVHC, consistent with their financial resources, through the charitable donation of an Annual Giving pledge. Each year, we ask that you complete your Annual Giving pledge and establish a payment plan before registering your children for religious school. Members with financial constraints should coordinate with the Executive Director; no one is ever turned away from NVHC for financial reasons.

Religious school fees are in addition to annual giving and vary depending on the child’s grade level.  There is a separate fee for BMitzvah preparation which is paid in the 6th grade year. Please note that religious school fees to not cover the full cost of operating the religious school. School activities are subsidized by all members through Annual Giving. Contact the Director of Congregational Learning for current religious school fees.

Oneg is a Hebrew word meaning “delight” or  “pleasure”. Oneg Shabbat refers to the tradition of gathering after services on Friday night to delight in the sabbath with friends and family. At NVHC, congregants routinely sponsor the Oneg to celebrate special milestones or events. Thus it is customary for the BMitzvah family to sponsor the Friday night Oneg. To mark this special moment in your family’s Jewish journey, we invite a suggested donation of $180. Our synagogue staff handles all of the logistics:  shopping, set-up, clean-up. We are happy to discuss any special requests or needs. For example, if you wish to bring a cake, that is great – we just need to know about it in advance. Please contact the Executive Director to make arrangements to sponsor the Oneg.

Many families schedule a time for photographs in the Sanctuary in the weeks leading up to the service.  You may also take photos following the rehearsal (which is usually the Tuesday afternoon before the service) or following the service on Saturday. We do not schedule formal photography in the sanctuary on Shabbat morning before the service; it is too stressful for the student, and for our staff. If you would like to have photographs in the sanctuary, please contact the Temple office to schedule a time for this.

At whatever time you schedule photos, our staff will facilitate taking the Torah scroll out of the ark. If you choose to have a photographer or videographer during the service, please note that only one camera is permitted and it must be stationary on a tripod in a location of our selection. For still photography, it must utilize silent, clickless technology with no flash.  

We are able to provide a live stream of the service on a private YouTube link. In the week prior to the service, we will provide you a link to share with family or friends who will be watching remotely. With that link, you are also able to download the service after it is finished so that you have your own copy. There is no cost for this service. Please contact the Executive Director for more information.

Throwing candy with a shout of “Mazel Tov” at the end of the BMitzvah service is a joyous tradition. This is symbolic of the community’s wish for a life filled with joy and sweetness. This is optional, but we are happy to support you if this is something you would like to include. Please purchase soft, individually wrapped candy in small pieces that do not include chocolate. The candy should be distributed to guests as quietly as possible, after the Kaddish prayer. You can ask family members or friends to help you with distribution of the candy. Please tell them to let your guests know that the candy is for throwing.

Many families plan some kind of celebration event for after the service. This could be a simple kiddush luncheon or a more elaborate event. There is no one “right” way to plan your party but keep in mind that your celebration should be in keeping with your values and your budget. Party planning typically begins 12-18 months ahead of the event.  Contact the Youth Engagement and Education Committee Chair for access to our spreadsheet of vendors for party planning, or talk to other NVHC parents of students who are becoming or have already become BMitzvah.

If you are not hosting a luncheon at NVHC, you are free to leave or take pictures at the conclusion of the service. You should expect that many attendees will want to congratulate you and the student personally, so give yourself a little grace time if you are planning a gathering elsewhere. The last thing you want is to feel rushed.

Some families schedule a luncheon at NVHC for after the service. Typically the tables will be pushed to the back of the social hall during the service, and then moved into position after the service. Many families will invite all service attendees to the luncheon. Please contact the Executive Director if you are planning to host a luncheon at NVHC.

Many families expect to have family and friends join them in celebration of the BMitzvah weekend. They may choose to gather for dinner together on Friday night, to host a kiddush luncheon after services on Saturday, or other more elaborate festivities. We are happy to rent our facilities to our members for these types of celebrations.

Families may reserve the use of the Multi-Purpose Room or Social Hall for these purposes. The cost of room rental includes a custodial fee and building security. Please contact our Executive Director if you wish to make arrangements for room rentals. NVHC retains discretion in granting reservations so we strongly recommend making your reservation early (typically about one year before the event).

Please note that anyone using our facilities must comply with our rental use policies which are summarized below. The full details can be found in the Facility Rental Handbook.

• NVHC is a smoke-free facility.
• Renters agree to abide by the NVHC Dietary Rules. The menu for all events must be submitted to NVHC at least one week prior to the event. No pork, pork products, or shellfish may be served. No mixing of dairy foods with meat foods during the same course.
• NVHC does not provide any catering services. All food services are the sole responsibility of the renter.
• No function can have a greater number of participants than approved under the fire regulations of Fairfax County.
• All exit doors must be left free and unobstructed.
• Alcoholic beverages may be served only as part of a meal or function. Under no circumstances can alcohol be served to minors. The sale of alcoholic beverages is strictly prohibited.
• All facilities must be left in a clean and orderly condition.