B. Mitzvah Academy

Why B.Mitzvah?

The B.Mitzvah* journey presents emerging teens with an exciting opportunity for spiritual discovery, emotional growth, and a rich rite of passage toward becoming a Jewish adult.

The Nitzanim B.Mitzvah Academy

The Nitzanim B.Mitzvah Academy explores connections between what we believe and how we live, and invites discovery into how our Jewish heritage can guide us in finding the right balance. Through a values-based experiential educational program, we ensure that the B.Mitzvah journey is individualized and accessible for every learner.

Using a spiraling curriculum, students will, during their two years of participation, engage with the beauty of the natural world and environmental concerns, grapple with ancient texts, and take action for justice through service work – all grounded in Jewish text, history, ritual and culture.

How the Program Works

The program will take place once monthly during the school year with Fall and Spring retreats and a Winter fire circle.

This year's program will offer students a meaningful journey of growth in Jewish learning and leadership, focusing on three core pillars:

• Torah Study: Engaging deeply with sacred texts through interpretation, questioning, and discussion
• Tikkun Olam: Taking tangible steps to create a more just and compassionate world
• Tikkun Middot: Cultivating personal character and ethical awareness through reflection and practice

There is no Hebrew requirement for participation in the Nitzanim B.Mitzvah Academy. However, students who wish to have a B.Mitzvah ceremony that includes reading from the Torah will need to learn basic Hebrew skills. One way to do that is through the Nitzanim Midweek Hebrew program, which Academy families may participate in at a heavily discounted rate (see our Midweek Hebrew listing for more information).

To read about our Youth & Families Educational Director, Mia Zimman, and our other skilled faculty, click here and scroll down.

Who We Are

The Nitzanim community comprises a group of families interested in finding new ways of holding the wisdom and practices of Judaism in the context of their diverse and varied lives. Many of our families are interfaith, many are queer, some come from strongly rooted Jewish backgrounds, some are exploring their Judaism for the first time. Our families share a love of nature, ancient wisdom, creative expression, and meaningful practice. Many Nitzanim families are members of Congregation Ner Shalom, but membership is not required for participation in the Nitzanim B.Mitzvah Academy. It is important to us that Nitzanim be accessible to you, regardless of where you are in your Jewish and Jewish community journey. B.Mitzvah is an important milestone for the whole family; we want to be here to hold you through this process.

Preparing for a B.Mitzvah Ceremony (Or Not)

We know that every student and family arrives at the B.Mitzvah process with different experience, goals, and intentions. The experience of being in this program can, of itself, serve as a stand-alone rite of passage (there will be a siyyum, or completion ceremony at the end). Or, families may choose to plan a more formal B.Mitzvah ceremony in which their young person is called to the Torah. If this is a family’s wish, we will direct students to qualified tutors to help with preparation. Families who are Ner Shalom members will also enjoy the engagement of Reb Irwin in their preparation and his officiation at the ritual, as well as use of the Ner Shalom sanctuary for their simchah if they so wish.

B.Mitzvah Academy Tuition:

Regular Tuition:

• Members: $2250
• Non-Members: $2650

Discounts*:

Registering a Sibling in BMA:

• 2nd Sibling Member Discounted Tuition: $1400.00
• 2nd Sibling Non-Member Discounted Tuition: $1650.00

Registering for Midweek Hebrew in addition to BMA:

• Member Discounted Tuition: $950.00
• Non-Member Discounted Tuition: $1150.00

*To receive your discount code, please contact Stephanie D at [email protected] and let her know which programs you would like to register for and for how many children.