Bnai Mitzvah

TBS’s B’ Mitzvah Journey is a two-year program (Grades 6–7) that blends joyful Jewish learning, community building, and meaningful personal growth. 

Students explore Jewish values and rituals, engage with social justice and climate action, and build the Hebrew, Torah, and prayerbook skills – and confidence – they need to lead the community on the day they become B’ Mitzvah.

The vast majority of B' Mitzvah learning and preparation will happen through the container of our after school program. B' Mitzvah students participate in certain after school program days, and within those days they partake in their preparation.  Preparation includes: classes, hands-on projects, and direct study with our Rabbi, Cantor, and Jewish Educator to deepen connection to Jewish tradition and to one another.

Focusing on social-emotional learning, ethical leadership, and belonging, our program nurtures each student as they discover their own path into Jewish adulthood. The B’Mitzvah Journey flows directly into our vibrant TBS Teen Program, beginning in Grade 8.

Our Four-Part B’Mitzvah Journey

1. Jewish Learning

Students study Hebrew, Torah, foundational prayers, and advanced Jewish Studies with our Jewish Educator, Rabbi, and Cantor. They develop confidence and fluency in the core skills needed for Jewish leadership and ritual participation.

2. Direct Preparation for B’Mitzvah

Students engage in deep, individualized study of prayer, Torah and Haftarah trope (chanting), Judaics, their Torah portion, and themes connected to their Mitzvah Project. This study supports each student in creating a meaningful and personal B’ Mitzvah experience.

3. Shabbat Participation

During the year leading up to their B’ Mitzvah, students attend and participate in Shabbat services regularly. This practice helps them build comfort and connection with the TBS community and prepares them to lead with confidence on the bimah.

4. The Mitzvah Project

Each student chooses and completes a Mitzvah Project that contributes to the community or the wider world, guided by the values of Tikkun Olam. Students present their project and its impact to the congregation as part of their B’ Mitzvah service.

Pathways Into the Program

We encourage students to begin their Jewish learning in Temple Beth Sholom’s Jewish Heritage School as early as possible, ideally no later than 4th grade. At the same time, we also warmly welcome students who join later and without prior study.

Beyond B’ Mitzvah

B’ Mitzvah is an important milestone on a lifelong journey of Jewish learning. Students graduate directly into our dynamic TBS Teen Program, beginning in 8th grade.

Membership

B’ Mitzvah is about growing into a responsible Jewish adult in the context of family, peers, and community. Therefore, membership at TBS is required for participation in the B’ Mitzvah Journey. Learn more about TBS’s inclusive approach to membership.

Contact

For more information, please contact our B’Mitzvah Coordinator Rebecca Weiner.