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

This year our students explore Shabbat prayers and Jewish values, Torah study and interpretation, Tikkun Olam (acting for justice in the world), Tikkun Middot (building character), and Nature Connection & Jewish Wisdom.

We meet monthly on 8 Sundays during the school year, with Fall and Spring retreats and a Winter Service Project or campfire. Three times a year, students and families gather for a Shabbat morning minyan at Ner Shalom.

Parents will be included in each month’s gathering, as well as the Fall retreat, 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 our two-year spiraling study are below. In 2026-27 we will be following the Year Aleph curriculm:

There is no Hebrew requirement for participation in the Nitzanim B.Mitzvah Academy. Families who wish to have their child read from the Torah at their B. Mitzvah will need to begin Hebrew study by 6th grade. Our Midweek Hebrew program is available to Academy families at a 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. Ner Shalom B.Mitzvah Coordinator, Shari Brenner, is available to support you with logistics of your simchah.

* 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.

2026–27 Dates

Nitzanim Bagel Brunch + Open House: Sunday, August 23, 10:00 AM, Congregation Ner Shalom

Back to School Night: Tuesday, September 29

Classes: Eight Sundays, 10:00 AM–12:30 PM 10/11 · 11/15 · 12/13 · 1/17 · 2/7 · 3/7 · 4/4 · 5/2

Retreats:

• Fall Retreat — 11/7

• Winter Service Project — 1/23

• Spring Shabbaton — 4/16–18

Shabbat Minyanim: 12/5 · 2/27 · 3/27

Where: Sonoma County Regional Parks & Congregation Ner Shalom