Our B’nai Mitzvah program 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.
We welcome pre-teens and their families of all affiliations, backgrounds, gender identities, and observances, including interfaith and multifaith families interested in creating a meaningful Jewish B’nai Mitzvah celebration. You don’t need any prior affiliation with BB Camp to take part in this experience!
Each track is customized to meet students where they are at, with activities focused on building strong Jewish identity and connections. 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
Continual community service opportunities
Participating in a B’nai Mitzvah program offers invaluable guidance and support as children prepare for this significant milestone in their Jewish journey. With dedicated tutoring and mentorship, kids gain the knowledge, confidence, and spiritual understanding necessary to lead their Bar or Bat Mitzvah ceremony with grace and authenticity.
There has never been a better time to instill Jewish values in tomorrow’s leaders and foster a sense of connection amongst our community. In fact, the 2022-23 Greater Portland Jewish Community Study concluded that:
of Jewish households have children under 18
of Jewish families are interfaith or multifaith
of Jewish households are not affiliated with synagogue communities
We offer three tracks, based on age and experience level.
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.
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.
Take center stage in your B’nai Mitzvah journey with Track Gimel, designed for students and families with a prior background in Hebrew, prayers, and Jewish customs and traditions. This track is your ticket to creating a unique Shabbat service, preparing students to plan, prepare, and lead a service that reflects your unique spirit.
What is the Cost?
Our B’nai Mitzvah program is priced at $3600 per year. This covers all aspects of the program, including personalized tutoring, study materials, access to community events, and more.
Need support? Financial aid is available for eligible families. Contact us to learn more about financial aid eligibility and packages.
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.
Who is leading the program?
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.
Why Choose BB360?
For more than 100 years, BB360 has built a community that values inclusivity, creativity, and meaningful connections. An accredited and nationally recognized inclusion camp and recreation program, it has served as a leader in Jewish camping, facilitating strong Jewish identity and character development, and positive self-growth in children and teens.
This program, developed nine years ago by BB360’s Community and Jewish Life Officer Kim Schneiderman, offers a holistic approach to B’nai Mitzvah preparation. Blending music, nature, community, and social justice, the program is the premier option for their children who are entering the age to prepare for a Bar or Bat Mitzvah.
”In my practice, my students and I form a partnership as we study Torah,” Kime says of her approach. “My contribution includes experiential Jewish learning as we explore ritual that is meaningful and accessible to all.” In fact, Kim’s personal experience leading her two daughters through the sessions is what led her to jumpstart the program for others.
When does it start?
Unlike other B’nai Mitzvah programs, we offer cohorts year-round to fit your family’s schedule. Choose from three tracks (listed below), which are tailored to your child’s needs and experience level.
Where does it take place?
We offer a variety of locations and formats for your convenience. Tutoring 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