B'Mizvah Program

An unforgettable experience - a lifetime of connection 

There are few things as joyful and soul satisfying for a parent as watching a child take hold of the Torah and carry it through the congregation on the day of B'mitzvah. It is a sublime moment. But it does not happen miraculously! 

At NSTE, we believe the preparation for that moment is key to its magic. It is also the key to a lifetime of engagement with Jewish community, as it affords our children the skills they need to participate meaningfully in Jewish occasions (their own and those of their loved ones), and starts them on a path of lifelong Jewish learning and lifelong Jewish living.

It is essential that students begin preparation for B'mitzvah as early as possible, as our students should be comfortable sounding out Hebrew words with ease before they begin work with their NSTE B'mitzvah tutor* at their 12th birthday. Students meet weekly with their tutor for one year, celebrating B'mitzvah upon turning age 13 (regardless of gender).

* We will match your child with one of our tutors, all of whom approach their work with immeasurable devotion, patience, and care. Our tutors can work with your child in person and/or on Zoom. 

To ensure that our B'mitzvah students are ready to start working with their B’mitzvah tutor, we encourage enrolment in our Meah Hebrew and Religion School K-6 program on Sundays (with optional supplemental Hebrew “touchpoint,” midweek on Zoom, in Years 5 and 6).

In Year 7, students stop attending on Sundays and midweek, and instead join in a weekly class with the Rabbi called “Al Shlosha Dvarim—On 3 Things.” The class teaches 'the story of Torah' and where their B'mitzvah parasha (portion) fits in, the meaning of the prayers they are learning for B'mitzvah, about leadership (with group service leading opportunities, about the Holocaust, and about the important social justice issues of our day. The class also builds lifelong Jewish friendships that continue through post-B’mitzvah opportunities like our “Teen Torah Tag Team” and participation in our Yamim Noraim (High Holy Day) services. 

During the year leading up to B'mitzvah, students should also strive to attend Shabbat morning services regularly - at least 18 (chai) times - along with a parent, so as to develop a comfort level with the order and flow of a service, and to become more familiar with the blessings they are learning with their tutors.  This practice goes a long way toward alleviating nervousness on the “big day,” and helps solidify their learning so it lasts a lifetime.  

Note: We have prepared a number of adult students, older teens, and students with special needs for beautiful B'mitzvah ceremonies.  Be in touch for a conversation about the possibilities!  Contact our office on 02 9419 7011 or send us an email.