August 6, 2026 ()
Congregation for Humanistic Judaism

B’ Mitzvah Mentoring Program

The Congregation for Humanistic Judaism’s secular Bar/Bat Mitzvah program, which we refer to as a B’ Mitzvah Mentoring Program, is a two-year learning experience that prepares young people to celebrate the joys of being Jewish.

Throughout the program, each student is nurtured, valued, and invited to be part of our community; together with our members, students explore the values of Judaism and Humanism, experiencing how traditions are reflected in our daily lives, in the history and holidays of Judaism, and in the customs, food, and arts of Jewish cultures around the world.

  • CHJ’s B’ Mitzvah program is thoughtfully shaped around each student’s unique interests. Students build meaningful relationships through monthly online meetings with a humanistic rabbi and monthly in-person programs  with CHJ Mitzvah Mentors. CHJ offers this program to members who pay a yearly fee for participation.
  • The program includes trips such as visits to Jewish museums, the Yiddish Book Center, Jewish communities, and Jewish restaurants, along with opportunities to take part in “healing the world” through volunteer service.
  • Students who wish to explore genealogy, learn the Hebrew alphabet, or follow other interests will find caring, knowledgeable mentors  in our congregation to support them.
  • In the second year,  the  student explores a Jewish topic of special interest to them, with guidance and encouragement along the way. Parents help to create a meaningful Mitzvah ceremony.
  • During the Mitzvah ceremony, the culminating presentation on the student’s Jewish topic will be shared with the congregation. Past mitzvah candidates have explored historical events, as well as personal issues such as mixed marriage and adoption. Others have studied their families’ genealogy in order to broaden their understanding and appreciation for their personal histories. Some have explored Jewish art, music, and dance, and the rich contributions of Jewry around the world. Many share their research orally, via slides, or have used performance art such as acting, dance or video to tell their story.

In the past, we have followed the Society for Humanistic Judaism’s “Cultural B’ Mitzvah” program. For over six decades, the CHJ’s bar and bat mitzvah program has offered highly meaningful opportunities for secular Jewish families to celebrate a traditional milestone in their children’s lives while remaining faithful to their humanistic beliefs and values ~ we invite you to join us in building our future together.

For more information contact info@humanisticjews.org.

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