Nitzanim B.Mitzvah* Academy
Open to Ner Shalom Members and Non-Members
Why B.Mitzvah?
The B.Mitzvah* journey presents emerging teens with an exciting opportunity for spiritual discovery, emotional growth, and a rich rite of passage toward becoming a Jewish adult.
The Nitzanim B.Mitzvah Academy
The Nitzanim B.Mitzvah Academy explores connections between what we believe and how we live, and invites discovery into how our Jewish heritage can guide us in finding the right balance. Through a values-based experiential educational program, we ensure that the B.Mitzvah journey is individualized and accessible for every learner.
Using a spiraling curriculum, students will, during their two years of participation, engage with the beauty of the natural world and environmental concerns, grapple with ancient texts, and take action for justice through service work – all grounded in Jewish text, history, ritual and culture.
How the Program Works
The program will take place once monthly during the school year. Students will journal their own growth, using words and visual art as expressive tools. Parents will be included in each month’s outdoor activity day, giving you an opportunity to participate in your children’s learning and even doing some learning of your own with Reb Irwin.
The key elements of study are:
Year One
Hands on, experiential learning exploring Judaism and the environment
Jewish texts, including folklore and midrash, on Creation and the natural world
Shabbat prayers and Jewish values
Year Two
Project-based exploration of social justice (tikkun olam) and character building (tikkun midot)
Torah study, interpretation, and debate
D’var Torah support
Development of individual mitzvah project
There is no Hebrew requirement for participation in the Nitzanim B.Mitzvah Academy. However, students who wish to have a B.Mitzvah ceremony that includes reading from the Torah will need to learn basic Hebrew skills. One way to do that is through the Nitzanim Midweek Hebrew program, which Academy families may participate in at a heavily discounted rate. Read more here.
To read about our Youth & Families Educational Director, Mia Zimman, and our other skilled faculty, click here and scroll down.
Who We Are
The Nitzanim community comprises a group of families interested in finding new ways of holding the wisdom and practices of Judaism in the context of their diverse and varied lives. Many of our families are interfaith, many are queer, some come from strongly rooted Jewish backgrounds, some are exploring their Judaism for the first time. Our families share a love of nature, ancient wisdom, creative expression, and meaningful practice. Many Nitzanim families are members of Congregation Ner Shalom, but membership is not required for participation in the Nitzanim B.Mitzvah Academy. It is important to us that Nitzanim be accessible to you, regardless of where you are in your Jewish and Jewish community journey. B.Mitzvah is an important milestone for the whole family; we want to be here to hold you through this process.
Preparing for a B.Mitzvah Ceremony (Or Not)
We know that every student and family arrives at the B.Mitzvah process with different experience, goals, and intentions. The experience of being in this program can, of itself, serve as a stand-alone rite of passage (there will be a siyyum, or completion ceremony at the end). Or, families may choose to plan a more formal B.Mitzvah ceremony in which their young person is called to the Torah. If this is a family’s wish, we will direct students to qualified tutors to help with preparation. Families who are Ner Shalom members will also enjoy the engagement of Reb Irwin in their preparation and his officiation at the ritual, as well as use of the Ner Shalom sanctuary for their simchah if they so wish.
Click here for 2024 - 2025 tuition information.
* A mitzvah, literally a “commandment,” is understood by us to be right action inspired by Jewish values – values that inspire us to take care of each other and the world around us. The traditional language of bar or bat mitzvah refers to someone who has reached the age of being responsible for their actions in the world.
“B.Mitzvah” is a term we borrow from our old friends at Labshul in New York. It is an inclusive term for this Jewish rite of adulting that has the advantage of not distinguishing by gender in the way that bar and bat mitzvah do. So it can be easily used with ease for anyone of any gender. Plus, B.Mitzvah suggests the idea of actually being the mitzvah – that is, really truly embodying the Torah that we choose to carry forward into the future.