Celebrating Bnei Mitzvah at Shaarei Shamayim
Bnei Mitzvah ceremonies are an important part of the ritual life at Shaarei Shamayim. This celebration is a spiritual journey for the entire family, and our goal is to provide support so that it is personal, unique, and meaningful. Rabbi Laurie works closely with families, students, and their tutors, and the bnei mitzvah families form a community in the year prior to the ceremony. (See below for resources.)
Teacher's Assistant Program
After students celebrate their Bnei Mitzvah, they are eligible to work as teachers’ assistants at Gesher. They learn valuable teaching techniques, develop leadership skills, act as role models for the younger students, and earn a little money. This is a great way for them to stay connected to the community.
Teen Programming
Our teens participate in Shaarei Shamayim in multiple ways. In addition to working as teachers assistants, they chant Torah, lead parts of services, gather for social programs, and do social justice activities together. We organize special programming for them at our High Holiday services and winter retreat, and they often get together on their own. Our teens also help with the community Purim carnival and other events in the Madison Jewish community.