Open Tent Be Mitzvah
You may have heard of Bar or Bat Mitzvah, or even B’nai Mitzvah, the Jewish coming of age celebration for teens. At Judaism Your Way, we have our own unique take on this milestone, and we call it Be Mitzvah.
Why? We have four awesome reasons:
- Judaism offers endless ways to Be Human. It’s not just about what you believe, but also about how you live your life in a Jewish way and how you want to “BE” in the world.
- Mitzvah can be translated as “good deed,” “right action,” or “action that shows you care.” It’s about forging connections and expressing commitment to something that truly matters to you.
- We teach students that we all come from diverse backgrounds and experiences and we create accessible services that reflect who we are. We call this Radical Hospitality!
- We are inclusive! Instead of focusing on gender-specific terms like “Bat” for daughter or “Bar” for son, we embrace a gender-inclusive approach. Everyone is welcome to celebrate their Be Mitzvah with us!
Youth Programs
Youth Be Mitzvah Small Group Learning
This model is geared towards tweens who want to learn with peers within a two year period. In Year One students explore Judaism 101 through experiential learning. After year one, students pick the Torah or Chai cohort – their inclusive community as they explore designing their unique Shabbat service.
Youth Be Mitzvah 1:1 Learning
With 1:1 learning, build a relationship with a mentor and develop a fully customized focus of study. Students design their own Shabbat service after taking a deep dive into how they connect with Judaism in a meaningful way!
Seasons of Joy
Families with children ages 3–8 gather monthly on Sunday afternoons to celebrate Jewish life through song, activities, art, and storytelling. Together, families explore the cycle of the Jewish year (its holidays, prayers, music, and customs) while building community and friendships. Students will also create Jewish ritual objects in class to bring home and use with their families.
4th and 5th Grade Hebrew
4th and 5th grade students learn to read and write Hebrew while connecting with other Jewish youth. Using a mix of workbooks, games, art, and hands-on activities, students will master the Aleph-Bet (Hebrew alphabet), vowels, and Jewish vocabulary drawn from blessings, prayers, and texts.
Adult Programs
Adult Re & Be Mitzvah Small Group Learning
Within a cohort of adult peers, you will explore prayer and delve into growing your relationship with Judaism. All students are welcome – we are here to meet and help guide you at any stage of life.
Adult Re & Be Mitzvah 1:1 Learning
With Re & Be Mitzvah, build a relationship with a mentor and develop a fully customized focus of study. Students design their own Shabbat service after taking a deep dive into how they connect with Judaism in a meaningful way. Please contact Johanna Politzer Woodrow at johanna@judaismyourway.org to learn more.
An Experience Like No Other
The Open Tent Be Mitzvah experience embraces the Jewish learning journey. We guide students in exploring their Jewish identity, leading up to a meaningful and personal Be Mitzvah ceremony.
Our program goes beyond just the ceremony itself. It’s a transformative process that empowers students to discover their own unique identity as Jewish leaders. As they stand at the threshold of this new journey, the ceremony serves as a powerful springboard, propelling them into a future where they can make a real impact.
Through the Be Mitzvah experience, students develop the skills and mindset to take on more responsibility, not only for themselves but also for their relationships and the world around them. It’s about finding their place in the Jewish community and beyond, as they navigate their path with confidence and purpose.
The Open Tent Be Mitzvah program is unique in the range of our students. Many of our families are interfaith/mixed heritage and are coming into formal Jewish education for the first time. While other families may have more experience with traditional Jewish customs, all are welcome here to grow and learn together in our Open Tent.
If you are ready for your child, or ready yourself, to embark on an incredible journey of personal growth, connection, and radical hospitality, join us for our Open Tent Be Mitzvah program! It is an experience like no other!
People across the country are talking about our Open Tent Be Mitzvah program. We are thrilled to share the news with you!
Judaism Your Way and 18Doors are thrilled to announce a new partnership designed to make it easier than ever for individuals and families in Colorado to find the right clergy for their Be Mitzvah. Together, we’re creating a welcoming path for all: interfaith, multi-faith, Jewish, and spiritual seekers alike, to connect with clergy who honor your unique story and celebrate your traditions with warmth, respect, and joy.
Our Philosophy – The Torah of Inclusion™
For the last 20 years, Judaism Your Way has been spreading love, joy, acceptance, empathy, and respect in the Jewish community and with our loved ones. Every day, we embrace new, creative ways of being and doing Jewish, redefining who belongs in Jewish spaces, what Judaism can feel like, and who it should serve. It became our mission to be as welcoming and expansive as possible, leading to the creation of The Torah of Inclusion™.
Get ready to dive into a whole new perspective on inclusive Judaism.
Meeting People Where They Are
Bringing About Full Inclusion
Build Community From “Me” To “We”
Inclusion Outside of Our Work
Ever Evolving And Changing
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