Learn @ CRS | Adult B’nai Mitzvah

Adult B’nai Mitzvah

Embark on a journey of transformation with your clergy and fellow congregants.  Whether or not you became B’nai Mitzvah in your youth, this is a process that will delve into Judaism in new and dynamic ways.  From learning and strengthening Hebrew, to gaining the skills of cantillation and sacred chant, from learning the purpose of Judaism and the intention of Jewish practice, to grappling with issues of theology and belief, this 18-month experience will be an exhilarating way of finding your place in Judaism and Jewish community.  Led by the CRS Clergy Team. 

Our next class of congregations will become Adult B’nai Mitzvah in Summer 2023. If you are inserted in the future adult BM class, email events@crsny.org.

Hebrew Basics 1.0: Intro to Hebrew Reading

Learn how to read Hebrew in this 8-week introductory course.  We will start at the very beginning, learning the letters and vowels and the mechanics of reading. At the end of the class, students will be fully able to read in Hebrew! The class will be taught by Melissa De Lowe, founder of Urban Lion Jewish Learning. Note: This class or equivalent Hebrew knowledge is required to join the Adult B’nai Mitzvah program. 

Winter Semesters:

Tuesdays at 9:00 – 10:00 AM (Zoom) – January 4 to March 1, 2022 (Skip Feb 22) 

Thursdays at 7:30 – 8:30 PM, January 6 to March 3, 2022 (skip Feb 24) 

Cost: $180

The Art of Torah Chanting

  • IN-PERSON

In this class, we will learn how to chant the ta’amei mikrah, the ancient trope symbols used in the chanting of our sacred texts. Our focus will be on chanting from the Torah. A basic reading knowledge of Hebrew required, but students do not need to know how to chant Torah or read music. This class is a wonderful way to become familiar with chanting Torah, whether you have never chanted or have chanted many times before! 

Note: One semester of this class is required to join the Adult B’nai Mitzvah program. 

Thursdays at 7:30 – 8:30 PM, March 24 to April 28 

Cost: $90

Adult B’nai Mitzvah Class 

  • IN-PERSON

Kick-Off Classes – Thu May 12 and Thu May 19, 7-8:30pm 

Summer 2022 including one-on-one meetings with clergy and summer reading list. 

Weekly Classes on Thursdays at 7:30 – 9:00 PM, October 13, 2022 – May 25, 2023 

Adult B’nai Mitzvah Service – Saturday, June 24, 2023

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B’nai Mitzvah classes are on a journey of intention. They disrupt their assumptions of identity, explore the power of words and behaviors, they ponder and challenge beliefs and hopes, and they look to find their place in the grand tapestry of Judaism.

The culminating event of a year-long course of study, the service, entirely led by the B’nai Mitzvah students, is magical and meaningful for all involved. Each person speaks about their personal journeys and each read a few lines from the Torah. Pride, appreciation, and admiration radiate from the congregation as they watch these students become leaders of prayer.

The next Adult B’nai Mitzvah program begins in January 2022.

For more information, please contact clergy@crsnyc.org.

Discover your place in our story 

Grapple with the questions of today and the struggles of yesterday 

Connect with fellow journeyers to spark growth in mind, heart, and soul 

Flourish through Jewish wisdom and practices 

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