Another very important part of the Bar/Bat Mitzvah year is building community connections. Congregation Beth Israel-Judea wants to create a welcoming and participatory community. And we want you to be a part of it! We encourage parents to attend services with their child and to fit into the community wherever it is comfortable. Attend family workshops, sign up for a committee, participate in classroom activities, and organize a class potluck lunch.
If you feel that you need support let us know and we will provide a buddy family to help you integrate. The more you get involved in the community, the more riches you will receive from it.
Program Goals:
• To inspire mitzvot, tzedakah, social action, spirituality and tefilah as a way of life.
• To transform students and parents together both spiritually and collectively on the experience.
• To connect participants with their community among parents, students, families and synagogue professionals.
Our Sunday curriculum includes various lessons and scheduled family educational workshops. The Sunday workshops may include:
• Social action / tzedakah project
• Ropes course
• Interfaith Issues in Bar/Bat Mitzvah
• “Owning your Parshah”
• Hand made midrash
• Talit making
Our Wednesday curriculum is focused on Hebrew advancement. These students will enter the “Circles of Success” program which will support them in achieving a comfortable level reading and comprehension of Shabbat prayers. This will prepare them for meeting with the Cantor. Their success in this Program will allow them to focus on their Torah and Haftorah portions without being overwhelmed.
• Support teacher in creating chevruta; plan 2-3 social events for class per year