This gallery of B’nai Mitzvah Innovations profiles cutting edge approaches to B’nai Mitzvah.
First, begin your exploration of our six areas of experimentation with a button below.
Second, enjoy browsing through each of the snapshots in the collections.
My Personal Prayer Journey
At the end of 4th grade, students and their families chose among three tracks (My Israel, My Personal Prayer Journey, and Team Tzedek) to becoming b’nai mitzvah. In My Personal Prayer Journey, each student has the opportunity to create his/her own personal prayer experience, through the use of a variety of modalities, such as digital media, writing, art, music, etc. This expands upon a traditional course of study by adding the element of individual expression to both the learning process and the B’nai Mitzvah ceremony. This creates proficient prayer participants who read, connect, and interact with the prayer service in a way that resonates with their personal interests and passions.
Lessons Learned
Change is challenging. In the inaugural year, a majority of families selected this track, as it is what was most familiar to them.
Program Info
Grade levels: 4th, 5th, 6th, 7th
Learners: Children (pre-B’nai Mitzvah), Parents
Year Implemented: 2016
Areas:
- Family Engagement
- Innovative Ritual
About Us
Congregation B’nai Jehoshua Beth Elohim
Deerfield, IL
1100 family units
Reform Congregation
B’nai Mitzvah each year: 100+