Did you miss the opportunity to have a B’mitzvah (bar/bat mitzvah)? Were you unable to have a B’mitzvah because of gender or were you misgendered at your B’mitzvah? Did you have a B’mitzvah but are seeking a different experience?
The UJPO/Morris Winchevsky School’s Adult Secular B’Mitzvah Program is a chance to cover big Jewish questions and some fundamentals of Jewish “ancestory”, history, and contemporary identity. Drawing on a set of Jewish texts from across the centuries and around the world, we will critically examine where “tradition” comes from and what it might mean to us in a secular Jewish context. Our curriculum explores Jewishness as a civilization of many diverse cultures and practices, and approaches our rich history & present from perspectives focused on social justice. We do not assume prior knowledge of Jewishness or Judaisms.
Every two weeks, the whole class will meet with the facilitator to discuss short readings and broad questions of Jewish history and identity; on the alternate weeks, students will be encouraged to meet with a classmate for an hour to discuss the week’s homework assignment. Each participant will also have an opportunity to do a research-informed project of their own choosing on any topic related to Judaism(s)/Jewishness, and everyone will have the option of presenting their work in a closing celebration for friends, family, and the wider UJPO/Winchevsky community.
Where: TBD, in a wheelchair accessible downtown location
When: 7 week biweekly classes, with an expectation of 6 rotating chevruta partners to meet for one hour in the off-weeks. Monday evenings from 7 - 9 pm.
Dates:
February 26th
March 11th, 25th
April 8th, 29th
May 6th, 27th
Ceremony in early June, date TBD
Who: Sharoni Sibony, Adult Educator
Cost:
UJPO member: $280
Non-member: $322
Class size min/max: 10 +
Any questions can be directed to Sarena Sairan at ed@winchevskycentre.org
* Educational subsidies are a bedrock of MWS values. Subsidies are considered on a case by case basis. If you would like to access a subsidy, please reach out directly to Lynn Lubitz: accounting@winchevskycentre.org.
