B’nai/B’not Mitzvah Program – A modern approach to an ancient tradition. In our sessions together, the students will participate in thought-provoking discussions about topics relating to teens. The students will develop and connect to their Jewish identity, be encouraged to give back to their communities through social involvement and to be inspired to continue exploring Jewish values in their daily lives. They will engage in community building and will examine ancient texts while finding their relevance to our lives.

Together, we will create a personal and individual entry point for each student. Our topics will include the life cycle, masoret (tradition), manhigut (leadership), and kehilah (community).

Class #1 – The place of Bar/Bat Mitzvah in Jewish life cycle
Class #2 – Rite of Passage – Jewish milestones and ceremonies for B’nai/B’not Mitzvah
Class #3 – On the Jewish Bookshelf – Torah, Siddur, Machzor
Class #4 – Structure of the service – Prayers and blessings in our tradition
Class #5 – Adding our voices to ancient text in a creative way (music, art, poetry)
Class #6 – About leadership – responsibility, accountability and obligation to self and community
Class #7 – Mitzvot, Midot, Masoret (commandments, values and tradition)
Class #8 – Tikkun Olam and Tzedakah – Our Moral obligation
Class #9 – L’Dor V’Dor – From generation to generation – family traditions and objects
Class #10 – Group sharing – Families stories (with parents’ participation)