Bar and Bat Mitzvah

B’nai Mitzvah are truly special for WJC students.  In our tradition, young Jews do not “have” a bar or bat mitzvah.  A girl becomes a bat mitzvah, and a boy becomes a bar mitzvah.  It is not only performative; it is transformative.  In keeping with this change of status, b’nai mitzvah families meet with Rabbi Jonathan twice a week (in addition to individualized tutoring), and explore what it means to take on this new and powerful identity.  Families explore:

•  The concept of "mitzvah," and the observation of mitzvot as the path to living a Jewish life.  Students connect becoming bar or bat mitzvah with the commitment to lifelong practice.
•  The practice of tefilah (“prayer”) and blessings, as a pathway to nurture awareness and gratitude.  Families learn that tefillah is a mitzvah.
• How to be a mensch, and that most central of mitzvot, to treat all people as created b'tzelem E-lohim, in the image of the Creator.

We understand that the date of the bar or bat mitzvah celebration is important to every family, particularly those with out-of-town relatives.  In the early spring of the 6^th Grade year, families attend a B’nai Mitzvah Class orientation to discuss the process of the b’nai mitzvah year.  A worksheet is handed out with open dates that can be chosen for the bar/bat Mitzvah; families are asked to fill out this worksheet indicating their top three choices of date.

B’nai Mitzvah requirements are as follows:

• Attendance at the WJC Family School in at least the 5^th and 6^th grade.
• Attendance at all B’nai Mitzvah classes with at least one adult family member when the student is in 7^th grade.
• If children have received a prior Jewish education from another program, the program must be approved by WJC before he/she enters the B’nai Mitzvah class.