Regular Study — More than just a class
B’nai mitzvah students at KAM Isaiah Israel participate in Shoresh, our weekly Jewish education program that meets on Fridays, 4:00-6:30 pm. Shoresh is project-based and centered around the rhythms of Shabbat, including a family-friendly Shabbat service. Learners who are unable to attend Shoresh regularly may consult our rabbi to arrange a separate course of study.
Ritual Connection — More than just a service
Typically, b’nai mitzvah lead our congregation’s Shabbat morning prayer service on or around their thirteenth birthday. We ask all students celebrating becoming b’nai mitzvah each school year to join their peers at one another’s services in order to develop meaningful connections to one another and to our prayer traditions. Students learn to read from the Torah, our most sacred text, and share their own thoughts about their Torah reading in a personal speech, called a d’var Torah. B’nai mitzvah students may also choose to explore Judaism through alternative avenues such as music, visual art, theater.
B’nai Mitzvah Education — More than just a tutor
B’nai mitzvah students are guided in their preparations by a b’nai mitzvah educator, a specially-trained member of our KAM Isaiah Israel community. Each student will work with an educator one-on-one not only to practice their Hebrew reading but also to reflect on the experience of taking their first steps into Jewish adulthood.
Additionally, b’nai mitzvah students work closely with our rabbi and cantor, developing meaningful and long-lasting relationships as they explore their own connections to Jewish life and traditions. Our clergy are patient, sensitive, and open to many forms of Jewish expression and look forward to getting to know every young person who engages in our community.
Make the World a Better Place — More than just a volunteer
KAM Isaiah Israel partners with Tzedek America to offer personalized, individual support in designing and conducting a community service project. The Tzedek America team helps b’nai mitzvah students select a local volunteer opportunity that interests them, offering guidance and accountability as the student discovers how much of an impact one person can have on their world.
Shoresh
B’nai mitzvah students are expected to regularly attend Shoresh for at least two years. Shoresh meets Friday afternoons (4:00-6:30 pm) at KAM Isaiah Israel.
Hebrew@Home
Our online Hebrew tutoring service is called Hebrew@Home. Students may begin as early as second grade and should learn to decode Hebrew letters by the end of 4th grade. Typically, students in 5th grade begin to practice the prayers b’nai mitzvah students typically read at KAM Isaiah Israel. These prayers include:
Prayer study continues in 6th grade and can extend as long as needed.
Torah and Haftarah
A signature ritual of b’nai mitzvah services is reading from the Torah and chanting a portion from the prophets. Students consult with KAM Isaiah Israel clergy to identify the specific Hebrew passages they will read, and a b’nai mitzvah educator will be assigned to teach and practice these special texts.
B’nai Mitzvah Educator
Educators paired with b’nai mitzvah students are more than Hebrew tutors. While they will help students learn their Torah and Haftarah readings, they will also serve as guides through the entire process. Our educators build a special relationship with their students and are the most regular point of contact for families when questions arise.
Mitzvah Project
As Jewish adults, b’nai mitzvah are expected to help make the world a better place. KAM Isaiah Israel partners with the organization Tzedek America to help students engage in a volunteer activity that’s meaningful to them. Tzedek America will host a training session for all students and then provide personalized attention and support so students can successfully complete their projects.
Shabbat Service Attendance
Students are expected to attend the b’nai mitzvah services for every student in their year of celebrating. For most students, this will mean attending services before and after their own b’nai mitzvah service. Our families understand that services are separate from parties, so even when a student cannot attend a peer’s party, they can always go to services.
Clergy Meetings
B’nai mitzvah students will meet with the rabbi and the cantor regularly in the months and weeks prior to their service. Meetings with the cantor will include review of Hebrew materials, and meetings with the rabbi will include work on the student’s d’var Torah (speech). These conversations are also an opportunity for students to get to know the clergy and vice versa, and they also serve as important check-ins for the process more generally. Ultimately, our rabbi guides each student through this experience, and families should consider our rabbi their primary point of contact for all b’nai mitzvah matters.
B’nai Mitzvah Fee: $1800
Our b’nai mitzvah program includes many unique elements, including weekly lessons with a b’nai mitzvah educator and regular meetings with clergy. Special grade-level events are also designed to help build cohesion among each b’nai mitzvah cohort. The b’nai mitzvah fee offsets these costs; it does not cover other expenses such as space rental for a party or additional tutoring beyond the typical course of study. This fee is divided into three parts and is included in the Shoresh tuition for 5th, 6th, and 7th grade students. (Students joining Shoresh after 5th grade will still be responsible for the entire fee.)
As always, financial need is never a barrier to participation in our community, and concerns should be addressed to our rabbi and executive director.
1 year before date:
10 months before date:
6 months before date:
4 months before date:
3 months before date:
2 months before date:
Final month:
After the service: