B Mitzvah: 6th-8th Grade

Jewish learning, community service, and a group B Mitzvah celebration

Morningside

2022 B Mitzvah Program and Celebration

To give you a little background… Every Jewish child becomes a Bar/Bat Mitzvah when they turn 13. The modern Jewish tradition of being called to read Torah is just that: a modern tradition, not rooted in ancient Jewish history. So, this wonderful milestone should be celebrated in a way that is meaningful and appropriate for your family.

JKG's two-year B Mitzvah program provides a whole new way to become a Jewish adult! The in-person experience combines Jewish learning and community service and culminates in a group B Mitzvah celebration! Students learn as a group and build Jewish friendships as they prepare for this special milestone. 

Watch the 2023 ceremonies: Morning ceremony | Afternoon ceremony

B Mitzvah students develop a foundational understanding of Jewish culture, values, history, and Hebrew language through interactive learning with other middle schoolers, community service, and a personal exploration project. Rather than a traditional Bar/Bat Mitzvah synagogue service with Torah reading, students celebrate their transition into Jewish adulthood during a Havdalah service and a presentation of their learnings with family and friends.

In addition to providing a gender-neutral, inclusive way to approach this special milestone, the term B Mitzvah reflects the uniqueness of our program and the students who participate. Join us!

Contact JKG’s B Mitzvah Director at bmitzvah@jewishkidsgroups.com or (404) 403-6468 to learn more.

JKG’s B Mitzvah experience is a two-year program. Learn more details about each of the two years below:

During the first year of the B Mitzvah program (a mix of 6th and 7th graders), your child will:

  • Explore Jewish holidays, values, history, and Hebrew language

  • Volunteer in the community while making connections to Jewish values they learned about in the classroom. Students may provide meals for a local homeless shelter, plant trees around the city, celebrate Hanukkah with Jewish seniors, or support a local organization’s efforts to address food insecurity.

  • Make Jewish friends who are also preparing for their JKG B Mitzvah

During the second year of the B Mitzvah program (a mix of 7th and 8th graders), your child will:

  • Continue exploration of Jewish holidays, values, history, and Hebrew language

  • Strengthen Jewish friendships with other JKG B Mitzvah students

  • Build Jewish identity by connecting a personal passion (music, sports, movies) to Judaism. This year-long Personal Interest Project (PIP) may include interviews with community leaders, research, and event attendance. Students present their projects at the group B Mitzvah celebration.

  • Learn the prayers and traditions of the Havdalah service in preparation for the B Mitzvah ceremony.

  • Celebrate program completion with a beautiful, in-person group B Mitzvah ceremony. Students lead a Havdalah service and present their Personal Interest Projects to family and friends.

2024-2025 Program Details

Location: Morningside

When: Sunday mornings, 9:30am-12:00pm

Grades: 6th-8th grade – Students are grouped in First Year cohorts (a mix of 6th and 7th graders) and Second Year cohorts (a mix of 7th and 8th graders)

Start Date: August 25, 2024 (Program runs August 2024-May 2025: View calendar here)

Tuition (Over 10 Months):

  • First Year: $285/month (includes security fee and all program fees)

  • Second Year: $315/month (includes security fee, all program fees, and ceremony fee)

Billing & Payment Policies: View detailed JKG billing and payment policies here.

Calendar: View the JKG B Mitzvah program calendar here.

Questions? Email bmitzvah@jewishkidsgroups.com or call (404) 403-6468