Becoming B’Mitzvah
at Shir Tikvah
5787 | 2026–27
Introduction
At Shir Tikvah, we speak of becoming B’Mitzvah rather than simply “having” a B’Mitzvah. Students move through that journey in community—with classmates, families, tutors, rabbis, and the wider congregation.
Students bring their own questions, perspectives, identities, interests, and support needs to a process centered on Torah, prayer, learning, teaching, and community. The goal is not simply to prepare for one service, but to strengthen a young person’s sense of belonging in Jewish community and commitment to lifelong learning.
Classmates and families move through the journey together, learning with one another, celebrating one another, and showing up for one another’s simchot (joyful milestones).
The guidebook contains the complete timeline, expectations, costs, service-planning information, family responsibilities, and preparation checklists.
What Is B’Mitzvah?
Shir Tikvah uses B’Mitzvah as a gender-neutral term for this Jewish coming-of-age milestone. A young person becomes B’Mitzvah as they take on greater responsibility for Jewish learning, practice, community, and ethical life.
At Shir Tikvah, becoming B’Mitzvah is not simply about preparing for or leading a service. It is a threshold into Jewish adulthood and an invitation into deeper participation in Torah, prayer, community, and lifelong Jewish learning.
The Journey at a Glance
5th Grade: JAMI participation, confirmation of the student’s B’Mitzvah date, and a $150 deposit applied toward later charges (see Costs and Financial Support for more information). The year culminates in Shabbat HaGesher, the formal launch of the B’Mitzvah journey. In 5787, Shabbat HaGesher is Friday evening, May 7, 2027.
6th Grade: JAMI, seven Saturday-morning family gatherings, and the beginning of the formal tutoring process approximately 12–13 months before the service.
7th Grade: JAMI, participation in classmates’ B’Mitzvah celebrations, and communal responsibilities such as hosting oneg, class gifts, kiddush cup presentations, and the Shir Tikvah Shuffle—a fascinating phenomenon in which our sanctuary is transformed into a fine-dining establishment.
8th Grade and Beyond: Becoming B’Mitzvah marks a threshold through which a young person steps into Jewish adulthood and the lifelong learning that comes with it. After becoming B’Mitzvah, students continue learning through JAMI and Shir Tikvah’s teen community, with opportunities for leadership, service, and deeper Jewish engagement.
B’Mitzvah Tutoring
About 12–13 months before the service, the family meets with Rabbi Joey to talk about the student as a learner, the family’s hopes, and any support needs. The student is then paired with a B’Mitzvah tutor.
Weekly 30-minute tutoring takes place on Wednesdays and continues for about a year, including during the summer. Students strengthen their Hebrew and prayer leadership, learn the brachot they will use, and develop their leyning (Torah chanting) while building a regular home-practice routine.
About 4 months before the service, the student begins regular work with the lead rabbi on Torah questions and the d’var Torah. About 3 months before the service, the family meets with Maryn to plan guest and building logistics, the kiddush luncheon, photography, and other celebration details. Find out more about B’Mitzvah Tutoring here.
Virtual Tutoring Dates
Most B’Mitzvah tutoring takes place in person on Wednesdays at Shir Tikvah. On several dates during the year, tutoring will take place virtually instead. For weekly scheduling, virtual and no-tutoring dates, and the B’Mitzvah Tutoring & Celebrations Calendar, visit our B’Mitzvah Tutoring page (linked at the end of the paragraph above).
Support Along the Way
Please tell us early what will help your family thrive. We welcome conversations about learning and accessibility needs, anxiety, scheduling concerns, family structure, interfaith or cultural considerations, gender and identity, and anything else that will help your child, family, and guests feel supported and welcomed.
Who to Contact
Rabbi Joey Glick: Questions about the overall JAMI and tutoring programs, Hebrew readiness, learning needs, and B’Mitzvah education
Your lead rabbi: Service planning—including readings, honors, and family roles—d’var Torah preparation, and pastoral support
Maryn Hakes: Questions about your child’s tutoring or schedule; guest and family logistics; celebration planning, including the kiddush luncheon, photography, and building use; questions about B’Mitzvah charges; and general coordination.
Jessica Markuson: Payments, payment plans, and financial assistance
Not sure who to contact? Email Maryn, and they’ll help connect you with the right person.
Costs and Financial Support
JAMI tuition and B’Mitzvah charges are separate. The current guidebook lists program and tutoring costs, event charges, billing timing, and financial support information.
Payment plans and financial assistance are available.
B’Mitzvah information current for 5787 | 2026–27. Last updated August 2026.