Build a Strong Jewish Identity and Connections with Our Year-round BB B’nai Mitzvah Cohort

BB B’nai Mitzvah cohort offers individualized, accessible mentorship designed to prepare each participant to lead a Shabbat service and read from Torah, recognizing their journey into Jewish adulthood. The program provides a unique perspective on the ancient Jewish coming-of-age tradition, prepares students to think critically about the history and future of Jewish ritual, and ensures this important milestone is accessible for every child.

Welcoming Pre-teens and their Families

All affiliations, backgrounds, gender identities, and observances, including interfaith and multi-faith families interested in creating a meaningful Jewish B’nai Mitzvah celebration are welcome. Prior affiliation with BB Camp is not required to take part in this experience.

A Program that Meets Your Family’s Needs

BB B’nai Mitzvah provides a personalized, non-traditional approach, tailored to meet each student and their family wherever they are on their journey. Filled with engaging activities focused on building a strong Jewish identity while connecting with other Jewish kids, our program celebrates individuality and offers a sense of belonging in the greater community. All tracks include the following:

Weekly tutoring plus study materials, guides, and recordings

Use of Ark, Torah, and Siddurim (prayer books)

Guided Mentorship for B’nai Mitzvah Tikkun Olam Project

Support in the visioning and logistics of participant’s simcha (celebration)

One weekend Shabbaton experience per year for all participants

Multiple family learning experiences and gatherings

One musical Family Shabbat service and dinner with residents of Cedar Sinai Park

Community service opportunities

A Milestone on Your Jewish Journey

Participating in BB B’nai Mitzvah offers invaluable guidance and support as your children prepare for this significant milestone on their Jewish journey. With dedicated tutoring and mentorship, participants gain the knowledge, confidence, and spiritual understanding necessary to lead their Bar/Bat/B’nai Mitzvah ceremony.

There has never been a better time to instill Jewish values in tomorrow’s leaders and foster a sense of connection in our community.

Questions? Contact Kim Schneiderman

The Program

Based on age and experience level.

the Hebrew letter Alef

Track Alef: Two-year experience beginning with 5th grade students

This transformative two-year journey ignites your passion for Jewish traditions and culture! Perfect for families unaffiliated with synagogue communities and pre-teens eager to explore Hebrew, Jewish prayers, history, and customs but have little or no experience. Track Alef allows students the time to feel confident as they prepare to take the spotlight.

The Hebrew letter bet

Track Bet: Ongoing year-round tutoring for students in need of support

For students who are affiliated with synagogue communities and want to shine on their special day, Track Bet offers ongoing year-round tutoring. This program is offered to students who have a scheduled date for their B’nai Mitzvah and want extra support in learning prayers and Torah, D’var Torah writing, and looking for connections with other families.

B’nai Mitzvah Program Testimonials

B’nai Mitzvah Program FAQs

Our B’nai Mitzvah program is priced at $3,600 per year. This covers all aspects of the program, including personalized tutoring, study materials, access to community events, and more. The optional shabbaton is an additional fee.

Need support? Financial aid is available for eligible families. Contact Kim at kschneiderman@bbcamp.org to learn more. 

Please note that additional services such as hired leaders, song leaders, and venues are not included in the program fee and will be at the family’s expense.

Kim Schneiderman, BB360’s Chief Community and Jewish Life Officer, has spent the last 20+ years singing, service leading, songwriting, and making music with families and communities of all ages. For over a decade, Kim has led Shabbat services for all of the BB Summer Camps, including various Family Camps and ReJewvenation weekends. Learn more about Kim here. Kim leads the cohort and guides the students and their families alongside BB B’nai tutors and mentors, as they study Torah and participate in experiential Jewish learning.

For more than 100 years, BB360 has built a community that values inclusivity, creativity, and meaningful connections. BB Camp, accredited and nationally recognized for inclusion, has served as a leader in Jewish camping, facilitating strong Jewish identity, character development, and positive self-growth in children and teens.

This program, brought to BB360 in 2023 by Kim Schneiderman, offers a holistic approach, blending music, nature, community, and social justice to B’nai Mitzvah preparation.

BB B’nai Mitzvah program runs from September to May with ongoing tutoring oppertunities throughout the summer.

We offer a variety of locations and formats for your convenience. Sessions can take place at BB360’s office, Cedar Sinai Park’s Cogan Chapel, the tutor’s home office, or over Zoom.

Shabbaton Weekend for B’nai Mitzvah participants will be held at BB Camp. Musical Family Shabbat service and dinner will be in Zidell Hall of the Rose Schnitzer Manor. Community Service Programming will take place in various locations throughout the community.