Bnei Mitzvah Seminar

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Our Shnat Mitzvah program is intended for youth in the 6th grade (boys and girls together) and their families. 

This year-long Program of 12 meetings is designed to guide chanichim (participants) through a meaningful process of self-discovery and growth. Participants will deepen their understanding of their personal identity by reflecting on their interests, skills, and values, fostering self-confidence and pride. They will also explore global cultures and traditions, with a special focus on coming-of-age practices, broadening their horizons and appreciation for diversity.

The program includes a central component is Jewish identity in spite of Hashomer Hatzair humanistic Judaism : learning about holidays, rituals, and values such as harvut hadaddit, tikkun olam, and mutual responsibility, helping campers develop knowledge, pride, and belonging. Alongside this, campers will strengthen connections to family and community by researching family history, engaging in home traditions, and participating in community and volunteer projects.

Finally, the program supports campers through the challenges of adolescence. By addressing physical, emotional, and social changes, it equips them with tools to face this stage of life with excitement and empowerment rather than fear.

Most of the meetings will be held on Saturdays between 1-3 PM in the 14th street Y community center on 344 E 14th St, New York, NY. (Updates will be provided in advance for meetings that are scheduled to be held outside of the 14th Street Y)

Rates: 750$ 

The full educational rationale:

Deepening Each Participant Familiarity with Themselves: 

Chanichim (Participants) will deepen their understanding of themselves through personal introspection. Chanichim will learn to identify their interests, unique skills, and the values they believe in. Through guided activities and discussions focused on self-reflection, they will deepen their understanding of their identity and what drives them. Ultimately, we aim for this program to help campers develop self-confidence and personal pride which will accompany them throughout their lives.

Exposure to Cultures from Around the World: 

Through workshops, presentations, and experiential activities, chanichim will learn about different cultures, with appreciation for cultural diversity. Chanichim will be exposed to various customs, traditions, and lifestyles from around the globe, with a particular emphasis on global coming-of-age traditions. At this juncture in the lives of our chanichim, we place a particular emphasis on broadening their horizons, and gaining a better understanding of the multicultural world we live in. 

Deepening Jewish Identity and Learning about Jewish Culture:

Chanichim will learn about Jewish holidays, rituals, and symbols, with a particular emphasis on Jewish values such as mutual responsibility and repairing the world (tikkun olam). This provides chanichim with an opportunity to deepen their knowledge of Jewish history, traditions, and customs. The goal is to foster a sense of belonging and pride of Jewish identity among the campers. 

Strengthening Family and Community Bonds:

Chanichim will learn about their family history, home traditions, and the values instilled by their parents. Additionally, chanichim will engage in community activities, participate in volunteer projects, and learn the importance of social involvement and community responsibility. We aim for chanichim to strengthen family and community bonds as they enter an age where they are able to take greater responsibility. 

Guiding Campers through Adolescence and Growing Up:

This aspect of the program focuses on guiding campers through their developmental process during this time of coming-of-age. Campers will be exposed to topics such as the physical, emotional, and social changes that occur during adolescence.  They will be guided to develop tools and skills to help them handle these changes and grow from them. While changes that occur during adolescence can be scary if they are not talked about, we aim for chanichim to instead feel excited and empowered.