The Bnai Mitzvah program is a two-year program which coincides with sixth and seventh grade at Oraynu Children’s School. For most families, the culmination of the program is their child’s participation in a group Bnai Mitzvah ceremony attended by family and friends. Children who have completed Grade 6 Jewish education elsewhere or through home study may be accepted directly into Grade 7, at the discretion of Oraynu staff. Grade 7 MUST BE COMPLETED at Oraynu Children’s School. Membership in Oraynu Congregation for both Bnai Mitzvah years is required.
The program consists of the following:
An individual Bar or Bat Mitzvah ceremony is available for students who do not wish to take part in a group ceremony through Oraynu Congregation.
Students, their families, friends and the Oraynu community celebrate the attainment of Bar and Bat Mitzvah in a meaningful way. At Oraynu, each student who becomes a Bar or Bat Mitzvah
affirms:
In preparing for this event, parents become involved in their children’s Jewish education, and the students grow in confidence, understanding and responsibility. Through this dynamic process and experience, their Jewishness becomes meaningful and relevant.
The research project is at the heart of the Bnai Mitzvah program. Each student researches a Jewish role model who exemplifies humanistic Jewish values. Their research is incorporated into the ceremony.
The Bnai Mitzvah program at the school is primarily a group endeavour. Students, teachers, parents, the Bnai Mitzvah Coordinator and School Principal work in tandem.
The ceremony is the equivalent of a two-hour stage performance, comprised of prose, poetry, skits and songs about the history and culture of the Jewish people. It reflects the values and beliefs of the Secular Humanistic Jewish movement. With the exception of the opening and closing, the students perform the entire ceremony. The ceremony is held on the morning of the first Saturday in June. Since June 2009, the ceremony has taken place at the Richmond Hill Centre for the Performing Arts.
Recordings of previous group ceremonies are available for viewing at the school for prospective families.
Our group program welcomes and adapts for children with challenges.
Students who do not wish to take part in the group Bnai Mitzvah program may attend classes at the school while preparing for an individual Bar or Bat Mitzvah outside of Oraynu Children’s School under the guidance of one of our Rabbis. They may choose to do a research project on a Jewish role model and/or present a portion from the Torah, followed by an interpretation of the reading from a humanistic perspective. For more information about a private Bar or Bat Mitzvah, click HERE.
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