J2A: Journey to Adulthood

Congregation Shearith Israel’s Bar/Bat Mitzvah Series for Parents and Students

Over the course of a year, parents and children will learn together and delve deeper into the meaning and practice of the Bar/Bat Mitzvah.  They will meet periodically throughout the year on Sundays, immediately following Machaneh Shai, for a light lunch and an interactive discussion to build community and learn as we journey together through this stage of your lives as families. All of the sessions are for parents and students.

A basic overview of the program is below. For the list of cohorts and session dates, click here.

For Congregation Shearith Israel’s B’nai Mitzvah Handbook, click here.

J2A Session Titles 

Introduction – A Bar/Bat Mitzvah at Congregation Shearith Israel

It’s not about the Kugel:  Looking deeper into the meaning and practice of Bar/Bat Mitzvah

Developing a Bar/Bat Mitzvah Action Plan:  Insights on Reclaiming the Bar/Bat Mitzvah 

Torah, Musaf, Shacharit, Prophets:  What is this all about?  The Structure of the Shabbat Morning Service

Mitzvah Projects:  Hands-on Ways to Perform the Commandments

Jewish Values:  Developing a Moral Code

Jewish Life After the Thank You Notes