Nitzanim B. Mitzvah Academy
Regional Parks throughout Sonoma County, Congregation Ner Shalom, 85 La Plaza, Cotati, CA 94931
The Nitzanim B. Mitzvah Academy
The B. Mitzvah journey is a very meaningful rite of passage in Jewish life. At Nitzanim, it unfolds in redwood forests and Shabbat sanctuaries, through service and song, ancient text and honest conversation.
Who This Program Serves
The Academy is a two-year program for students entering 6th, 7th, and 8th grades. No prior Jewish education or Hebrew experience is required — every student begins exactly where they are. Our families come from all kinds of backgrounds — interfaith, queer, deeply rooted, or exploring Judaism for the first time. Congregation Ner Shalom membership is not required.
How the Program Works
The B. Mitzvah Academy meets monthly on Sundays during the school year, with Fall and Spring retreats and a Winter Service Project or campfire. Three times a school year, students and families gather for a Shabbat morning minyan at Ner Shalom — created for our B. Mitzvah learners and open to the wider congregation.
Our curriculum moves across three areas:
- Shabbat prayers and Jewish values
- Tikkun Olam (acting for justice in the world)
- Torah study and interpretation
Hebrew & the B. Mitzvah Ceremony
There is no Hebrew requirement for participation. However, students who wish to read from the Torah at their B. Mitzvah ceremony will need to begin learning Hebrew by 6th grade. Our Midweek Hebrew program is available to B. Mitzvah Academy learners at a discounted rate.
Completing the two-year program is itself a beautiful rite of passage, marked by a siyyum (completion ceremony). Families who wish to plan a more formal B. Mitzvah ceremony will be connected with qualified tutors. Ner Shalom members have the added benefit of Reb Irwin's officiation and use of the Ner Shalom sanctuary for their simchah.
2026–27 Dates
Nitzanim Bagel Brunch + Open House: Sunday, August 23, 10:00 AM, Congregation Ner Shalom
Back to School Night: Tuesday, September 29
Classes: Eight Sundays, 10:00 AM–12:30 PM 10/11 · 11/15 · 12/13 · 1/17 · 2/7 · 3/7 · 4/4 · 5/2
Retreats:
- Fall Retreat — 11/7
- Winter Service Project — 1/23
- Spring Shabbaton — 4/16–18
Shabbat Minyanim: 12/5 · 2/27 · 3/27
Where: Sonoma County Regional Parks & Congregation Ner Shalom
Tuition & Payment
Tuition is per family. You'll be able to list all participant names and ages when you register.
To pay by credit card, simply register and pay online. To pay by check, enter the discount code CHECK at checkout, then mail your payment to: Congregation Ner Shalom · 85 La Plaza, Cotati, CA 94931
Enrolling in multiple programs? Use code MULTI at checkout to receive $150 off your total registration. (Excluding B.Mitzvah Academy + Midweek Hebrew Combo)
We want this to be possible for your family. Partial scholarships and work trade positions are available for families who need support. Please don't hesitate to reach out — we're here to help make it work.
Safety Information
- Staff is First Aid Certified
- Employee Background Checks
- Carries Liability Insurance
This information is provided by the organization and has not been independently verified by Enrichment.kids.
Policies
If you notify us at least 2 weeks in advance, we can process a full refund, deducting a 15% cancellation fee. Refunds will not be possible with less than 2 weeks' notice.