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+

Links

bjbe.org