The B’nai/B’not Mitzvah: Ofek Project

It is not just about the party… The Hebrew word “mitzvah” means “commandment”. It symbolizes a period of transition to the world of adulthood and creates an opportunity for our teens to establish a deep and special connection with those around them.

The ceremony celebrates the act of becoming an adult which is, of course, a life-long process that doesn’t happen in one day. For many, celebrating Bar/Bat Mitzvah is also a part of Jewish cultural practice. Our curriculum includes responsibility, independence, maturity, and belonging to family and community.

Our year-long program (20 meetings) will be an ongoing process of asking questions, growing, and defining what it means to be a young teen today.

Join us for a fun and interactive program that will celebrate just that!

The program will stand on 3 pillars that will interrelate with each other throughout the year:

Masoret and Mesira – (Tradition) We will talk about the B’nai/B’not Mitzvah as a Jewish life-cycle event: what features on the Jewish bookshelf? What are the elements that make up the Jewish ceremony and how can we add our own voice to the mosaic that is the story of our family and community?

Manhigut and Kehillah – (Leadership & Community) Why do people give to their community? What are the benefits of volunteering? Who are my role models? What do Jewish leaders have to say about the value of Tikkun Olam? And most importantly: What is my place in my community and beyond?

Community – Service Project The “hands-on” pillar, where teens will experiment in translating an idea into action and will gain tools for deigning their own project in their local community. Among the tools learned: design thinking, the 3 circles, ‘Strengths Profile’™, and more. Teens will present their project at an end-of-year festive ceremony and celebration together with their family.

For a full syllabus of the course Click here.

The program’s facilitators are Zehava Dahan & Mirit Balkan – see bios.

We will occasionally host guest speakers from our rich and diverse Ofek Hub-Team.

Our last session on May 2nd will be 90 minutes with the families.

On October 18th we will hold a meeting with the facilitators of the program and the parents of students that are registered or interested in the program. It is a great opportunity to hear more details and ask questions.