Adult B’nei Mitzvah Program
BCC’s temple clergy and Jewish Learning Committee are pleased to announce final plans for the upcoming Adult B’nai Mitzvah instruction program. If you ever dreamed of having a Bar/Bat Mitzvah, now is the time to make it happen! Space is limited, so please contact us at education@bcc-la.org right away if you are interested in participating. It’s never too late to have a Bar Mitzvah! Ask actor David Arquette, The Fonz, Blossom and rapper Drake!
SCHEDULE
Classes will be biweekly on Wednesdays from January through May:
- January 8 and 22
- February 12 and 26
- March 12 and 26
- April 9 and 23
- May 14 and 28.
Beginning in June, we will meet weekly. All meetings will be from 7:30 to 9 pm. Preliminary ceremonies will be on Friday evening, July 25 and Torah reading on Saturday morning, July 26. On these dates each member who wishes will chant three verses of Torah and give a 3 to 5 minute drash.
(The parashah on July 26 is Masei. This final passage of Numbers includes ample opportunities for writing Divrei Torah: instructions for building cities of refuge; securing land inheritance for the five daughters of Zelophehad; and Moses’ directives to the Israelities for the future.)
SCOPE OF Classes
Most evenings will include a 40 minute class by Rabbi Heather Miller, a 10 minute break, and a 40 minute session with Cantor Juval Porat. Rabbi Miller will teach on the history and background of the service’s prayers; concept and art of writing prayers; understanding prayer as it is described in the Torah and by the rabbis; understanding various kinds of Jewish spirituality across time and around the world; and various types of sacred literature. Cantor Juval will instruct us in prayer modes, how to lead the prayers, reading the tropes, and how to chant the Torah. Rabbi Lisa Edwards will teach on how to write a D’var Torah, and Maggie Parkhurst will introduce us to Talmud. Members are encouraged to attend all sessions.
HEBREW READING ABILITY
A basic ability to recognize Hebrew letters and sound out words is required. We will not give intensive Hebrew training, as some participants have had this. However there are many opportunities to obtain such knowledge. Members may partake in group classes, individual instruction, or self-taught methods. In addition, there may be Hebrew clinics practiced among the participants. Since candidates will memorize and chant only 3 verses, an ability to read fluently is not required.
COST
The price for members is $200. We want this experience to be available for all members, and limited financial aid is available. The fee for non-members is set at $350. Payment is required on the first session unless other arrangements are made.
CLASS SIZE
Minimum class size is approximately 8; maximum class size is 15. Please note that training is also available to those who wish simply to study the topics but not become Bat or Bar Mitzvah.
RECOMMENDED LITERATURE (NOT REQUIRED)
The Art of Cantillation by Cantor Josée Wolff. Entering Jewish Prayerby Reuven Hammer. For more expanded reading . . .Biblical Chant, by A.W. Binder, Philosophical Library, New York. Chanting the Hebrew Bible, by Joshua R. Jacobsen.
To sign up or for questions, please contact us at education@bcc-la.org. We hope you will join us for this fun and interesting learning opportunity!
