Becoming a Bet Mitzvah
Celebrating the transition from child to adult is a long-standing Jewish tradition. We recognize this special time and foster a space for this growth through our program built uniquely for Bet Mitzvah-aged students (typically 12 and 13 years old) and their families. We use the term “Bet Mitzvah” to be inclusive of all genders. Each student decides if they are becoming a bat mitzvah, bar mitzvah, or bet mitzvah. At Temple Micah, there are five main educational components to our Bet Mitzvah program:
- Individual Meetings with Rabbi Mo – Approximately four months before the Bet Mitzvah, your student will meet privately with Rabbi Mo for additional one-on-one guidance and tutelage.
- Community Meetings with Rabbi Mo – As a group, the Bet Mitzvah families (parents and students) will meet with Rabbi Mo to discuss what responsibilities they will take ownership of as they prepare to become a Bet Mitzvah.
- Enrolled in Religious School – Students must be enrolled in the Religious School by 4th grade, demonstrating your family’s commitment to Temple Micah and the community. If you are not yet registered, register here. If you are joining our congregation after your child is in 4th grade, we can support your child with extra Hebrew tutoring. Please contact Rabbi Mo or Morah Chaya for details.
- Hebrew – In 7th grade, approximately 9-12 months prior to your student’s Bet Mitzvah, they will start private tutoring to master the service liturgy and Hebrew phrases that are part of their big day.
- Tzedakah Project – Students will engage in 18 hours of volunteer work. The Tzedakah Project is intentionally completed adjacent to Bet Mitzvah studies as part of the essential understanding that part of being Jewish is contributing to a more just, equitable, and better world.
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Special Youth and Family Programs
Whether your children are enrolled in Religious School or not, there are several opportunities for them to participate in Jewish communal activities at Temple Micah.
Religious School for Kindergarten to 7th Grade Students
Temple Micah’s Religious School provides students from Kindergarten through 7th grade with educational experiences and opportunities to further their understanding of Jewish principles, values, decision-making based on these, and to celebrate Jewish literacy, art, and culture.
Teen Programs
The primary way post Bet Mitzvah teens stay involved with the Religious School is by working as a madrich (classroom assistant), as a Hebrew tutor, or as staff for special school and youth events. We also offer several teen learning events throughout the year.
