Student and Family Preperation
Connection. Responsibility. Community.
Throughout your child’s journey to become B’nai Mitzvah our goal is to create positive memories for your family. B’nai Mitzvah is one of many meaningful milestones in Jewish life and we want to make sure that you and your child(ren) are prepared for this sacred day.
Study Sessions
We invite our families to two unique experiences each year designed to be both informative and engaging. These clergy-led study sessions are part of FBMP (Family B’nai Mitzvah Program) and are required for each child and at least one parent. We recognize that families have multiple commitments; we trust that you will prioritize our sessions together as this is a required part of the B’nai Mitzvah process.
5th Grade
Sharing Our Stories
In our first family learning session, we share our Jewish stories with one another in small groups, connecting through the paths that led us all to CRS. We also dive into the master narrative of the Jewish People, unrolling a Torah scroll, learning how it is made, and engaging in Torah trivia.
Helping Others
Spend time on Shabbat afternoon learning a lesson about social justice, meeting a member of our Homeless Shelter team, watching a video tour of the Shelter, and doing a hands-on mitzvah project.
6th Grade
Dimensions of Tzedakah
Engage in the justice work of tzedakah by learning about how we help those who are hungry in our community.
Sacred Wellness
Discover Jewish tools to cultivate hope and gratitude in a small group setting.
7th Grade
D’var Torah Workshop
This workshop is designed to ensure that you have the tools and information you need to prepare a well-crafted D’var Torah (speech about the weekly Torah portion).Our Truth
Our family learning curriculum culminates with an exploration of personal theology. Who is God to me? How does God work in my life (if at all)? Through text study and a fun “God shopping” exercise we will further develop our own ideas about God, driving home the importance of an ongoing, evolving relationship to theological questioning for all Jews.Tutoring
Around eight months prior to their B’nai Mitzvah date, students begin weekly 20-minute sessions with one of our wonderful tutors. In these sessions, students will study the blessings, Torah portion, and Haftarah portion that they will lead at their service.
Around two months before their B’nai Mitzvah date, students begin weekly lessons with their officiating cantor.
