Ner Tamid Celebrates First Confirmation

Rabbi Thomas Liebshutz with confirmands (left to right) Randi Epstein, Kendra Lerman, Megan McMillan, Josh Ehrlich, Jessica Ungar and Alyssa McMillan. Not pictured is Alex Goldstein.

SPECIAL FOR THE AJT //

Congregation Ner Tamid of West Cobb recently held its first confirmation service. Of the class of seven taught by Reuven Milikovsky, the four second-year students – Josh Ehrlich, Alex Goldstein, Megan McMillan and Jessica Ungar – were confirmed, and they with their three first-year classmates participated in the service by reading and chanting the Torah and haftarah.

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But this is only the beginning of the good news for the growing teen education programming at the Marietta-area Reform synagogue – next year, CNT is planning to offer two post b’nai mitzvah offerings: one for the combined 8^th and 9^th grades and one for the combined 10^th through 12^th grades. A student in either age group can be confirmed when they finish their second year beyond bar or bat mitzvah.

“Confirmation reminds us of our loyalty to and being part of the Jewish people,” Rabbi Thomas Liebschutz said at the service. “Confirmation, a group ceremony, unites us with our people, G-d and culture in ways that enhance and extend b’nai mitzvah. Confirmation is a vital part of who we are and why Congregation Ner Tamid offers it to our Religious School students.”

Confirmation was originally initiated about 200 years ago for men and shortly after for women. A service typically observed around the time of the festival of Shavuot – which celebrates the “Giving of the Torah” at Mt. Sinai – celebrates the completion of a process that keeps Jewish students involved in formal Jewish education beyond bar mitzvah.

Congregation Ner Tamid, established in 2006 and a member of the Union for Reform Judaism, holds twice-monthly Shabbat services as well as High Holy Day services and weekly Religious School classes for ages five and up. Those interested in confirmation classes or other education opportunities can attend the upcoming Religious School Open House on Aug. 4.

For more information, visit mynertamid.org, email education@mynertamid.org or call Principal Heidi Meyer at (678) 264-8575 to schedule an individual appointment.

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