Curriculum
The CAI Bnei Mitzvah Curriculum is designed to provide a well-rounded Bar/Bat Mitzvah experience. By participating in all aspects of the curriculum, your child will receive an education based on lifelong knowledge and skills for continued participation in Jewish life.
Bnei Mitzvah Class with Cantorial Soloist Nichole Chorny
Tefilla/Prayer: Students learn to lead Shabbat Services in an individual and group setting. Students discuss meaning of the prayers, which is tied into Values-Based Education.
Torah/Haftorah: Students are provided with one-on-one tutoring for their Torah and Haftorah portions.
Ritual Learning: Students learn the “ins and outs” of the service and participate in group discussions about what is it to become an adult leader in our Jewish Community.
Shabbat Morning Services
Services begin every Saturday morning at 9:00am. Students should arrive at least by 9:30am to be able to participate fully, and sit together in the pews in front of the Rabbi's lectern.
Students participate in many parts of the service as a class, including the Torah Service and concluding prayers.
Students get further oriented with the Shabbat morning service and begin to feel more confident with their own participation.
Bnei Mitzvah Class with Rabbi Metz
Torah & Haftorah Study: Students study their individual Torah & Haftorah portions and compose their Drash (speech) to share with the congregation.
Bar/Bat Mitzvah Project: Students get guidance on creating a Bar/Bat Mitzvah Project that is meaningful and important to them.
Bnei Mitzvah Havurah (Fellowship) Program
Three to five family programs per year that are specially designed for Bnei Mitzvah students, parents/guardians, and siblings.
Programs are held either immediately following Bnei Mitzvah class on Tuesdays or immediately following Shabbat morning services.
Each program covers a different topic related to the Bnei Mitzvah process, and provides an opportunity to get to know other families going through the same process.
Bnei Mitzvah Kallah (Orientation)
Sixth grade students and families are contacted every fall to participate in our Bnei Mitzvah Kallah (Orientation). The orientation includes an introduction to our Bnei Mitzvah program, the importance and meaning of this special event, details on planning, and a special activity with the students and families.
Intake Information: When Will My Child Start?
Bar and Bat Mitzvah dates are given out in the late fall of each student’s fifth grade year. Approximately 9 to 12 months in advance of their date, students are contacted to begin Bnei Mitzvah class. The first “intake” session includes an introduction to the class, media website with study materials, and evaluation of each student’s level and needs. Materials are given out at the intake session, and we hold two to three intakes each year, depending on dates and students.
Materials
For questions or more information, please contact Cantorial Soloist Nichole Chorny.