B’nei Mitzvah Program
Using a creative collaborative approach to learning, the B’nei Mitzvah Program at Habonim is a fun and meaningful way to engage with Jewish living. Students meet with a group of their synagogue peers to learn about what is involved in becoming a Bat/Bar Mitzvah from the formal ceremony to the obligations and opportunities it brings. At this important stage of their lives, students will pursue their curiosity about aspects of Jewish identity and share their discoveries, and will be engaged in experiential learning and activities that will help them unpack the term "Judaism" and build their jewish identity as young members of the Jewish community.
Here are some of the program’s components:
Torah Study - Students will have a chance to explore and question key figures and events in our ancient history.
The Jewish mind - Jewish leaders, inventors and thinkers.
Jewish Vocabulary - From Aliyah and Brit to Yehuda and Zionism, students will be encouraged to develop an understanding of key Jewish terms and concepts, including those related to the Bat/Bar Mitzvah process and other life cycle events.
Jewish Time - Students will learn how the Jewish calendar works and about the holidays (including Shabbat) that shape our years.
Mitzvot, Middot and Tikun Olam - We’ll consider Commandments and Jewish values as they relate to our lives and the world around us. We’ll have opportunities to participate in Mitzvah projects together and engage in Tikun Olam and in giving back to the society.
Israel - From Masada and Jerusalem to Eurovision and Matkot, we’ll explore our connections to Israel’s past, present and future.
Jewish History - We’ll look at a timeline of Jewish history and then draw closer to events such as the Holocaust through our community’s stories.
Jewish Toronto - We’ll look at the many Jewish organizations doing important work in our city and beyond.
Guest Speakers & Field Trips - We will have opportunities to learn from visitors, including Habonim clergy, Shinshinim and more, and to virtually and physically visit sites of Jewish interest in the G.T.A.
This year the program will be meeting twice a month, once on a Sunday morning and once on a Tuesday evening, to accommodate the busy schedule and plans of the B'nai Mitzvah and their families.
FAQ’s
Do I have to be a member of Habonim to sign up my child for the program?
No. This program is open to members and non-members.
I don’t know when or where my child’s Bat/Bar Mitzvah might be or if we’ll have a traditional or formal event. Can I still sign them up?
Yes. And non-members are welcome to inquire about having their child’s Bar/Bat Mitzvah at Habonim. Please contact the office for more information about booking a Bar/Bat Mitzvah.
What age or grade should my child be to take the program?
Typically, students complete the program before or right after their Bat/Bar Mitzvah. If your simcha is in fall- spring 2023/24 you will likely want to register your child for the program beginning in September 2023. But we are flexible about this so while most students will be in grade 7, they could be in grade 6 or 8.
When is the B’nei Mitzvah Program offered?
The program consists of Sunday or Tuesday classes from October through May. The plan for 2023/24 is to run the program on twice a month.
I also have kids in the K-6 program at the Jewish Heritage School. Can I register all my kids through the school?
No. The two programs are separate and so registration is as well.
Do I still need to hire a tutor for my child’s Bar/Bat Mitzvah preparation?
Yes. Students in the program will learn what a Bat/Bar Mitzvah entails but will need to work with a private tutor to prepare their actual Torah portion etc.
What is the cost of the program?
If you have booked your child’s Bar/Bat Mitzvah at Habonim, the cost of the program is included in the booking fee. Otherwise it is $500 for members and $600 for non-members. Upon registration you’ll be contacted to arrange for payment.
My child hasn’t attended a Jewish education program before. Is this a prerequisite?
No. The program aims to provide a warm and inclusive learning environment for all.
My child attends a Jewish day school. Can they still benefit from this program?
Yes! They will meet new friends at Habonim and develop their sense of synagogue and community connection in anticipation of the Jewish milestone they are approaching together. All students will be challenged to learn and participate by playing an active role in shaping the program.
For more information please contact Guy Mannheim habonimschool@gmail.com
To book a Bar/Bat Mitzvah please contact the shul office office1@congregationhabonim.org
