B’Mitzvah Tutoring
5787 | 2026–27
Individual tutoring gives each student dedicated time to strengthen their Hebrew, grow as a prayer leader, and build confidence with leyning (chanting Torah) and the brachot they will use as they become B’Mitzvah. Students are paired with a Shir Tikvah tutor who accompanies them through approximately one year of regular study and practice.
How Tutoring Works
About 12–13 months before the B’Mitzvah service, the family meets with Rabbi Joey to talk about the student as a learner, the family’s hopes for the year, and any support needs. The student is then paired with a B’Mitzvah tutor.
Students meet individually with their tutor for 30 minutes each week. Tutoring continues for about a year, including through the summer, as students prepare Hebrew, prayer, and Torah material for their B’Mitzvah. Tutoring is generally held in person at Shir Tikvah, with designated virtual dates during the year.
How Tutoring Works
About 12–13 months before the B’Mitzvah service, the family meets with Rabbi Joey to talk about the student as a learner, the family’s hopes for the year, and any support needs. The student is then paired with a B’Mitzvah tutor.
Students meet individually with their tutor for 30 minutes each week. Tutoring continues for about a year, including through the summer, as students prepare Hebrew, prayer, and Torah material for their B’Mitzvah. Tutoring is generally held in person at Shir Tikvah, with designated virtual dates during the year.
TUTORING SCHEDULE & CALENDAR
Several tools are available to help you manage your student’s tutoring schedule:
Current Tutoring Schedule: Find your student’s weekly tutoring appointment using the schedule linked below.
B’Mitzvah Tutoring & Celebrations Google Calendar: View virtual and no-tutoring dates and upcoming B’Mitzvah celebrations. Use the button below to subscribe to the calendar.
One-page schedule of all 5787 Virtual and No-Tutoring Dates. View or print the one-page schedule using the button below.
The virtual and no-tutoring dates are also listed below and communicated regularly to families.
Need help subscribing to the B’Mitzvah calendar?
Follow our calendar subscription instructions.
During the JAMI Year
During the JAMI year, Maryn schedules each student’s tutoring session within the JAMI session they attend. Once a student begins meeting with their lead rabbi, that meeting is also scheduled within the student’s JAMI session.
These schedules are designed to remain fairly consistent throughout the JAMI year, so families are not asked to submit weekly availability. Please contact Maryn if there is anything they should know when scheduling your student generally or if there is a conflict or other consideration for a particular date.
During the Summer
B’Mitzvah tutoring continues weekly through the summer months, but scheduling becomes more flexible while JAMI is not in session. Maryn will ask families and tutors to share their summer availability and will build the tutoring schedule around that information. Please contact Maryn about any general scheduling needs, or if a conflict or other consideration comes up for a particular date. It’s especially important to let them know if your plans change after the tutoring schedule has been set.
Virtual & No-Tutoring Dates
A few Wednesdays during the year work differently from our regular tutoring schedule. On these dates, tutoring may take place virtually or may not meet.
Virtual Tutoring
November 25, 2026
December 23, 2026
December 30, 2026
January 20, 2027
February 17, 2027
April 7, 2027
July 7, 2027
No Tutoring
September 16, 2026 — High Holidays 5787
April 21, 2027 — Pesach
April 28, 2027 — Pesach
August 11, 2027 — Tisha B’Av
October 6, 2027 — High Holidays 5788
B’Mitzvah Class Resources
Current B’Mitzvah families can find class-specific dates, responsibilities, and other resources in their class workbook. These documents are restricted to families and staff who have been granted access. Please sign in with the Google account associated with your Shir Tikvah family. Contact Maryn if you would like to update your email address.
Working with Your Lead Rabbi
About four months before the B’Mitzvah service, the family meets with their lead rabbi to begin planning the service and the student’s Torah work.
At this point, the student also begins a weekly 15-minute meeting with their lead rabbi in addition to their regular tutoring session. These meetings focus on exploring the student’s Torah portion, developing questions and ideas, and preparing their d’var Torah. During the JAMI year, Maryn schedules both the tutoring session and rabbi meeting within the student’s regular JAMI session.
Practice Between Sessions
Regular practice is an important part of B’Mitzvah preparation. Students should make time between tutoring sessions to work on the Hebrew, prayers, brachot, and the trope they are working on with their tutor. Consistent, manageable practice throughout the year is much more useful than trying to catch up all at once.
Learning, Access, & Support
Every student approaches Hebrew, prayer, leyning, Torah, and public leadership differently. Please tell us early what will help your student thrive. We welcome conversations about learning and accessibility needs, anxiety, scheduling concerns, or anything else that would help make the tutoring process supportive and sustainable.
We would much rather know what a student needs and work together than have them struggle quietly.
Questions About Tutoring?
Rabbi Joey Glick — Learning & Tutor Placement
Questions about Hebrew readiness, learning needs, tutor placement, or the educational arc of B’Mitzvah preparation.Maryn Hakes — Scheduling & Logistics
Questions about tutoring, weekly or summer schedules, virtual tutoring dates, schedule conflicts, family logistics, or other B’Mitzvah coordination.Your Lead Rabbi — Torah & Service Preparation
Once assigned, your lead rabbi works with your student on Torah questions, the d’var Torah, and preparation for the B’Mitzvah service.
Information current for 5787 | 2026–27. Last updated August 2026.