Choosing to become a Bar or Bat Mitzvah is an important decision to make.

It helps connect you to the past, present, and future of the Jewish people. Humanistic Jews believe that boys who complete a Bar Mitzvah, and girls who complete a Bat Mitzvah should be treated equally, and that children of intermarried couples should have equal status, no matter which parent is Jewish. 

Typically, an individual completes the Bar/Bat Mitzvah at thirteen years of age. However, adults who would like to publicly proclaim their belief in Humanistic Judaism are welcome to become a Bar/Bat Mitzvah as well.

Participants find our approach to Bar/Bat Mitzvah services very rewarding and memorable. Each student selects a topic related to his or her Jewish experience and then receives individualized assistance from a mentor in researching and learning about the topic. The student then presents the research during a special ceremony honoring him or her. Some past topics have included Jews Around the World and Jews in Science. A more traditional Torah Portion Bar/Bat Mitzvah is an available option.

Enjoy a personalized and meaningful service that will provide you with fond memories. Tutoring for Bar/Bat Mitzvah is open to members only.

To download our adoption and Bar/Bat Mitzvah policy, please CLICK HERE.

Adult B’nai Mitzvah & Adoption

REQUIREMENTS:

1. Youth Bar/Bat Mitzvah helps connect you to the past, present, and future of the Jewish people. Humanistic Jews believe that boys and girls who complete a Bar/Bat Mitzvah should be treated equally, and that children of intermarried couples should have equal status, no matter which parent is Jewish. Participants find our approach to Bar/Bat Mitzvah services very rewarding and memorable. 
   
   Bar/Bat Mitzvahs will be able to enjoy a personalized and meaningful service that will provide you with fond memories. Tutoring for Bar/Bat Mitzvah is open to members only.
   

   To download our Youth Bar/Bat Mitzvah and Adoption policy, please CLICK HERE.

2. If you want an Adult Bar/Bat Mitzvah or are interested in Adoption rather than Conversion, we have an inclusion program for you.
   
   Bar/Bat Mitzvah candidates must complete nine two-hour monthly in-home or online classes with leader’s guidance which encompass   Secular Humanistic Judaism’s reflections on Jewish Identity, Holidays, Life Cycle events, History, Roots of Humanistic Judaism, and the Philosophy of cultural, ancestral, spiritual, and ethical Judaism.  

   
   Affirmation Ceremony - With guidance from the ceremonial leader, students will provide a written, and oral presentation of a topic inspired by the readings and discussion material.  A customized public Affirmation Ceremony will be prepared by the ceremonial leader for family, friends, and congregants.

CERTIFICATION:

The Certification will be presented to each student at the ceremony to include their friends, family, and Or Adam Congregation. Following completion of the above requirements, a certificate from the Society for Humanistic Judaism  with both English and Hebrew name will be presented to each student at the public Affirmation Ceremony.

For more information about the program, availability, costs, and details, please fill out the form below and Rabbi Jeffrey Schesnol will get back to you.

For more information about the program, availability, costs, and details, please fill in the form below, and Rabbi Jeffrey Schesnol will get back to you.