Bat Mitzvah and Beyond

Drisha offers various programs for girls ages 11 to 13 to learn with their mothers or learning partners. Through our program options, Bat Mitzvah girls affirm their Jewish commitment and grow through the experience of learning with their families. Students may choose to study individually with a Drisha tutor on a subject of their choice or participate in a class on such topics as women in the Bible and prayer. Classes are available at Drisha or in the student’s home community.

Classes

Small class size and students of diverse backgrounds are hallmarks of our classes for Bat Mitzvah girls and their mothers. Classes are given at Drisha once a semester. Classes generally meet on Sunday mornings for three to five weeks.

Our Spring 2012 class will be Prayer for the Heart and Soul. This class delves into the study biblical and rabbinic texts related to the development of prayer, and traces the evolution of prayer from our ancestors through contemporary practice.  Click here for more information or to register.

If you would like to participate in a class in your community or create one that meets your community’s interests, please contact us for more information.

 

Our Fall 2011 Bat Mitzvah class was Our Mothers, Ourselves. In this five-week class we explored different personalities of women in the Bible from both a pshat and drash perspective to gain insight into their characters. We also discussed the significance of becoming a Bat Mitzvah and how it relates to these prominent women who laid the foundation for the Jewish people. The Bat Mitzvah girl and her mother/learning partner engaged in havruta (partner) learning together as part of this class. All texts were provided in Hebrew and English. 

Classes were given at Drisha as well as in Teaneck and West Orange, NJ and Lawrence, NY. 

 

“It's been wonderful to have the opportunity to sit and learn with my daughter. I thank you and Drisha for making that possible.”

Individual Study

Discover why students credit their Drisha tutors as role models who deepened their love of learning and guided their Bat Mitzvah preparations. Individual study sessions can take place in the Drisha Beit Midrash, an inspiring environment with a comprehensive library. To begin, contact Drisha at 212.595.0307 or email inquiry@drisha.org. To enable Drisha to continue to serve the community, participants are asked to make a minimum contribution in the range of $100 to $500, depending on the length of time that the tutor has learned with you in the Beit Midrash.

Resources

For individual guidance, families can consult with a Drisha educator after class or by appointment.