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.
Ma’ameinim: Learning Mentors
There is no Hebrew School or b’nai mitzvah tutoring at Har HaShem. Research revealed that the tutor/student relationship was one of the most powerful experiences for b’nai mitzvah families, and so children are matched with a m’amein (tutor) based on their individual needs and interests. Building a powerful relationship with a family, the tutors mentor children to learn, increase their confidence, and foster a sense of Jewish faith and commitment. The tutors help children acquire the necessary skills, beliefs, and sense of belonging to become bar/bat mitzvah. They nurture each child’s growing sense of responsibility, faith, and agency by helping to address the big questions of their emerging selves and encouraging them to find their own individual voices. Additionally, families commit to attending Shabbat services at least once a month. Tutors must have an established relationship with the congregation, know how to chant Torah, and agree to regular, ongoing professional development.
Lessons Learned
The name Ma’ameinim comes from “amen,” which also means, “to support, coach or guide.” Amen also connects to the Hebrew words for “faith,” “confidence,” and “creativity.”
Program Info
Grade levels: 3, 4, 5, 6, 7
Learners: Children (pre-B’nai Mitzvah),Community Members
Everyone in the target audience is required to participate in the program.
Year Implemented: 2015
Areas:
- Mentoring
About Us
Congregation Har HaShem
Boulder, CO
450 members
Reform Congregation
B’nai Mitzvah each year: 32