It is the belief at Anshe Emet that B’nai Mitzvah should be an experience filled with meaning. The Journey to Mitzvot (J2M) program provides a forum where students and their parents can learn together to prepare for this transformative family moment.
Our J2M program begins in fourth grade (J2M4) with two special Friday night programs. Each session includes a short learning opportunity focused on the Friday night service, followed by our vibrant musical Friday night service at 6PM and a delicious Shabbat dinner (around 7PM).
We believe in the importance of spending Friday night as a family, so the entire family is invited to join this program. During the learning session, fourth graders and their parents will explore the Friday night service together, while siblings participate in a separate activity.
Our 5th-grade program focuses on the Shabbat morning service, offering two engaging sessions for fifth graders and their families.
The first session, led by one of our Rabbis, explores the history, significance, and reasoning behind reading a Haftarah from the Prophets on Shabbat. After the learning session, participants are invited to join Shabbat HaNoar, our 3rd-5th grade Shabbat morning service.
The second session delves into the differences between the Shabbat morning liturgy and weekday prayers. Together, we’ll examine questions like: Why are certain prayers unique to Shabbat? What additional elements are included, and why do we say them? In this second session, participants will also join the Torah service in the Sanctuary service to experience what it feels like when a Bar or Bat Mitzvah is celebrated on a Shabbat morning.
As with J2M4, we warmly invite the entire family to participate in these two mornings. Siblings can enjoy the variety of engaging activities offered every Shabbat morning. Each session concludes with a delicious Kiddush lunch, which all J2M5 participants are welcome to join.
In 6th grade, you and your child will participate in J2M6, a 5-week program which meets on Sundays and is designed to deepen your understanding of the key aspects of the Bar or Bat Mitzvah service. Together, we explore the various parts of the service, with a particular focus on the Torah service.
One highlight is our Mitzvah Fair, where families meet representatives from several organizations to learn about volunteer opportunities, helping your child select a meaningful Mitzvah project. We also delve into your child’s Torah portion, encouraging thought-provoking questions about their Parasha. Additionally, we explore the meaning and significance of wearing a Tallit and Tefillin.
The program spans five Sunday sessions (typically three in the fall and two in the winter) and one Friday night Shabbat celebration. Sunday sessions begin at 9:15AM. with breakfast, followed by the program from 9:45AM to 11:30AM. Our Friday night program starts with a 6PM. service, followed by dinner at 7PM.
For any questions or guidance, Yair Bernstein, our Director of Ritual Advancement, is here to support you and ensure this journey helps your child reach their full potential. Please don’t hesitate to reach out to Yair! Click below to email or call 773.868.5122.