Adult B'nai Mitzvah
The Adult Bar/Bat Mitzvah program at Temple Ner Tamid is an 18-month curriculum examining what it means to be a Jew. The course of study includes four six-session semesters exploring, with the rabbi and cantor, the beliefs and practices of Judaism. What does Judaism teach us about the nature of God and life-after death? How do the sacred times of Judaism fit into our modern stress-filled lives? What is midrash and how is it different than Talmud? In many ways the Adult Bar/Bat Mitzvah program is like an intensive Introduction to Judaism class. No prior knowledge of Judaism is required.
At the end of a year and half of study and discussion, each student will deliver a d’var Torah (interpretation of Torah), participate in the Shabbat morning service, and read a short selection from the Sefer Torah (Torah scroll). All students must be Jewish (at least by the time of the Adult Bar/Bat Mitzvah ceremony) and have a basic knowledge of Hebrew. Hebrew instruction in the alphabet is also available.
Without question, the Adult Bar and Bat Mitzvah experience is powerful, even transformative. Just ask those who have already done it. Anyone with questions about enrolling in the next Adult Bar/Bat Mitzvah class should consult with Rabbi Kushner.
Click on the names of the Adult B'nai Mitzvah Class of 5772 / 2012 to read their divrei Torah delivered the morning of their ceremony.
Joel Dorow
Caarin Fleischmann
Linda Gates
Oliver Miede
Samantha Miller
Eileen Opatut