Becoming a Bar or Bat Mitzvah is a journey which begins long before a twelfth or thirteenth birthday. As we talked about personal journeys, many students felt their path to adulthood began at the Shabbat table before learning to talk, at our Beth Hayeled Preschool, or in kindergarten of first grade. Others believe they have not started the journey to Jewish Adulthood, but are anxiously looking forward to the ride.
As our discussions progressed, many students voiced their concerns about friends who don't attend B'nai Mitzvah services, but always show up for the parties. It was surprising to hear how level headed our students were when talking about their participation in this religious right of passage, and how meaningful they felt it was.
On Sunday morning, we talked about what made us adults in the eyes of the Jewish community, and what responsibilities we are obligated to participate in as we approach adulthood. Finally, students were asked to think about what commitments they can make to themselves, their family, and the community that encourage them to take responsibility for living a Jewish life as they approach Bar or Bat Mitzvah.
In class we have started to write our Personal Commitment Statements which are the foundation for each student's D'var Torah.
All D'var Torahs are due on Sunday, May 2, 2010.
As our discussions progressed, many students voiced their concerns about friends who don't attend B'nai Mitzvah services, but always show up for the parties. It was surprising to hear how level headed our students were when talking about their participation in this religious right of passage, and how meaningful they felt it was.
On Sunday morning, we talked about what made us adults in the eyes of the Jewish community, and what responsibilities we are obligated to participate in as we approach adulthood. Finally, students were asked to think about what commitments they can make to themselves, their family, and the community that encourage them to take responsibility for living a Jewish life as they approach Bar or Bat Mitzvah.
In class we have started to write our Personal Commitment Statements which are the foundation for each student's D'var Torah.
All D'var Torahs are due on Sunday, May 2, 2010.
