THE EXPERIENCE

A B'nei Mitzvah is more than a celebration. It is a moment in time when

past, present and future stand together. Family Ties creates an intentional pause for families to gather and connect the generations that led them to this milestone.

At B'nei Mitzvah, your child will receive their tallit (prayer shawl)

and wear it wrapped around their shoulders for the first time. More than a

garment, the tallit represents identity, tradition and the sacred responsibility

of Jewish adulthood, making it a meaningful and intentional way

to connect the generations of your family.

Through Family Ties, the tallit is prepared in advance, so when it

is worn for the first time at B'nei Mitzvah, it already

carries the threads and blessings of family.

HOW IT WORKS

1. GATHER

Family members come together and bring their tallit, if they have one.

2. EXCHANGE

Each family member exchanges one of the knotted strings (tzitzit) from their tallit with a string from the child's tallit, so that both tallit include a string from the other.

3. TIE

Family members' strings (tzitzit) are added and tied, with intention and meaning, into the child's tallit.

4. BLESS

A personal blessing by each participating family member is spoken as the knots are secured.

THE RESULT

The tallit is transformed into a tangible memory, woven with love and tradition, one that carries family history and meaning into the child's B'nei Mitzvah journey and beyond.

WHY FAMILIES LOVE FAMILY TIES

Establishes a meaningful beginning to the B'nei Mitzvah journey

Strengthens intergenerational bonds through a shared ritual

Creates a lasting family heirloom rooted in Jewish tradition

Deepens the child's understanding of their place within the story of the Jewish people and those who came before them

PROGRAM DETAILS

Held in the family's home or a chosen setting

Fully guided, step-by-step, by an experienced facilitator

Appropriate for all family constellations, backgrounds, and denominations

All family members are welcome to participate, whether or not they have a tallit

My tallit feels like it has a part of everyone who loves me.

Rachel, Bat Mitzvah Student