B’mitzvah (12-13)
What is B’mitzvah?
Our B’mitzvah program is designed to guide students through a process of Jewish learning, spiritual growth, and community involvement, providing a foundation for their journey into Jewish adulthood. This program is rooted in our values of Torah (learning), Avodah (prayer and service), and G’milut Chasadim (acts of kindness), offering an immersive and individualized approach to each child’s growth.
B’Mitzvah is an affirmation of Jewish learning, a celebration of community, and recognition of a change in status. After their B’Mitzvah, our students are considered full adult members of the community and, as such, can count in a minyan, join committees, and vote at congregational meetings.
The term traditionally does not refer to a ceremony but rather to a moment in the life cycle. Historically, upon reaching the age of 13, a Jewish boy would be called to read from the Torah for the first time to mark his coming of age. At this point, he would take on the responsibilities and privileges of a Jewish adult. The ritual has evolved, especially over the past century. People of all genders are now included in this rite of passage and the ceremony is often a moment to celebrate the student’s learning. More than a moment, one now becomes B’mitzvah through an intentional process of learning and righteous service.
In our Reconstructionist community, our understanding of halacha (Jewish law) also influences our understanding of B’mitzvah. While we may not believe that halacha is binding upon all Jews, we understand mitzvot (commandments) as ritual and ethical pathways to meaningful connection with Jewish traditions, Jewish values, and Jewish community. Thus becoming B’mitzvah signifies a young person’s commitment to understanding and exploring these pathways. In addition, the ceremony and preparation leading up to it are opportunities for family education as well as family celebration, and a chance for parents to reflect on what it means to pass on Jewish values and practices to the next generation.
At Darchei Noam, inclusivity and belonging are values that are reflected in every aspect of the B’Mitzvah process. Some of the ways we create a ceremony that will be the most meaningful for your child include:
- Supporting the learning styles of every child. We’ll plan a process and ceremony that meet the social, emotional, and learning needs of your child.
- Using a non-binary, gender-neutral term “B’mitzvah” to include all students as well as when referring to multiple bar or bat mitzvahs. For further learning, please visit Keshet’s website.
- We offer opportunities for your whole family to participate in the ceremony as your child becomes B’Mitzvah, regardless of Jewish status.
Key Components:
- Torah Study: Students will engage in Torah study using interpretive and creative methodologies, such as Storahtelling, to help deepen their understanding and connection to the text.
- Ritual Literacy: Students will develop their skills in Torah reading and prayer leadership, with a focus on personal prayer practice and comfort in leading key prayers. This includes preparation for chanting Torah and Haftorah and for leading parts of the Shabbat service.
- Jewish Identity: Through the integration of Moving Traditions’ B’mitzvah curriculum, students will explore their Jewish identity by reflecting on ethical questions, personal responsibility, and growth. The curriculum includes thoughtful discussions on what it means to be a Jewish adult in the context of modern life.
- Tzedek Project: A significant aspect of the program is the Tzedek (justice) project, where students choose a meaningful way to engage in service to the community. This reinforces the connection between learning and action, ensuring that each student’s journey is not just academic but also centred in making a difference in the world.
- Mentorship: Students will build mentorship relationships with teen leaders and adult members of the congregation. This includes guidance throughout the B’mitzvah process and participation in meaningful service projects.
For more information, have a look at our B’mitzvah Packet.
Calendar
For a full calendar of events for the 5786 School Year, Click Here!
Membership & Tuition Structure
As part of Darchei Noam’s Strategic Plan and with the leadership of our Director of Jewish Living and Learning, Hebrew School is evolving into Shabbat School, moving classes from Sundays to Saturdays. This shift will integrate Jewish learning with Shabbat services, kiddush, and offer programming for parents including Torah study and other communal learning opportunities. B’Mitzvah students will benefit from active participation in services, gaining familiarity with melodies, traditions, and community.
Starting September 2025, all Shabbat School families will become full members of Darchei Noam. As part of your membership, Shabbat School is Free!
To ease this transition, tuition for a family’s first child will count toward the annual Membership Contribution. Families will never pay more than the set annual Membership Contribution for their age bracket. Tuition for second children is 50% of the first child’s, and third+ children in the same household attend free. Bursaries are available for those needing financial assistance.
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