B’not Mitzvah – New York- Hybrid Course

B’not Mitzvah – A hybrid course for the community of New York and the surrounding area. Sessions will be held in the Manhattan area combined with online content and in- person meetings.

The B’not Mitzvah program will embark on a fascinating journey to discover the roots of every participants’ identity. It is a process that will expose them to the most beautiful contents of Judaism, Israeliness, living and participating within the modern world, and combining tradition with innovation. At the end of this exciting journey, participants will be much more connected to Judaism and Israeliness, know about our unique traditions and the Israeli American community in NY. The teens in the program will explore their family stories and will lead a project to help people in need in the community.

This course is a journey for the whole family. Together, we will create a personal and individual entry point for each student. Our topics will include: The life cycle, masoret (family traditions), manhigut (leadership), and kehilah (their community).

Session 1- Introduction/ get to know you, and “circle of life-from childhood to adulthood”. Face to face class.

Session 2 – Who am I? Hybrid Identity. Face to face class.

Session 3/4 – Family objects, and values. Construction of a family tree, in collaboration with the ANU Museum. Online class. Participation of the Bat Mitzvah girl and a family member.

Session 5 – Jewish Identity: Through the Camera lens in collaboration with the ANU Museum ( the Diaspora Museum in Israel).

Session 6 – Social media: advantages, disadvantages, and dangers. Online class.

Session 7 – Virtues, values and giving. Online class.

Session 8 – Doing good in the community. Participation in a community project. Face to face class. Participation of the Bat Mitzvah girl and a family member.

Session 9 – Leadership through different lenses, modern leaders today. Online class.

Session 10 – Parent Leadership Panel. Face to face class. Participation of the Bat Mitzvah girl and a family member.

Session 11 – Tour in Lower East Side, NYC. Face to face. Participation of the Bat Mitzvah girl and 2 family members.

Session 12 – Ceremony and graduation with the families led by Cantor Shiree Kidron. Face to face. Participation of the Bat Mitzvah girl and family members. (will be broadcast on zoom as well).