Wilderness Torah B’mitzvah

This year we are launching the first-of-its-kind Wilderness Torah B’mitzvah Tutoring Track. This is an optional add-on to the B’naiture experience. Youth receive tutoring by experienced Wilderness Torah youth mentors, Rabbis, and prayer leaders, culminating in a custom B’mitzvah ceremony.

This track is for you if you:

  • Want to create your own custom B’mitzvah ceremony
  • Want flexibility in topics covered 
  • Are not seeking a ceremony in an established congregation

The B’mitzvah program includes:

  • 20 hours of one-on-one tutoring in preparation for a B’mitzvah ceremony (See below for a list of topics covered)
  • Potential group ‘Hevruta’ time (depending on schedules and interest)
  • Planning and officiating of B’mitzvah ceremony
  • Wilderness Torah approved curriculum
  • Wilderness Torah vetted tutors and Rabbis
  • Wilderness Torah prayer book
  • Wilderness Torah – Torah scroll

Optional (for added fee):

  • Musicians to accompany the ceremony
  • Additional tutoring hours

Cost: Sliding scale $3,125 – $5,375
Read more about Wilderness Torah’s sliding scale guidelines here.

Ready to Sign Up?

APPLY HERE

Curriculum

Curriculum topics in addition to learning your Torah portion can include (based on family’s interest, in consultation with tutor):

  • Alphabet & vowels
  • Grammar, pronunciation, and sight-reading
  • Prayer and modern words

  • Shabbat and holidays
  • Hebrew calendar

  • How do Jew’s conceive of G!d
  • How is the concept of divinity different in Judaism than Christianity or Hinduism
  • What are different names for G!d and when are the different names used

  • Learn core stories
  • Learn your Torah portion

  • What’s in the Siddur (prayer book)
  • Mishneh, Talmud, and other sources of Jewish Wisdom

  • Taking on Traditions as a B’mitzvah
  • Ethics and Commandments
  • Tzedaka & Tikkun Olam

  • Central prayers of the B’mitzvah service
  • Conduct and proceedings with the Torah
  • Ritual items – tallit, yad, etc.

  • What does Israel have to do with Judaism
  • What are current conflicts in Israel*
  • What laws in Judaism are related to Israel

*This topic requires sensitivity to the family’s orientation. The tutor doesn’t use this as an opportunity to espouse their own political views, but as a platform for the youth to explore their values and how they shape in relation to current complex issues.

Your Mentors

Rabbi Paige Lincenberg
Rabbi Paige LincenbergWilderness Torah B'mitzvah Mentor
Sarah Elise Rund
Sarah Elise RundWilderness Torah B'mitzvah Mentor

FAQ

A.  No. However, Wilderness Torah’s B’mitzvah journey is designed to be a part of the B’naiture program, and is greatly supported by participation in B’naiture.

  1. No, the program does not include reading tropes.  The main curriculum for the program is listed here. Your child will study and learn their Torah portion with their tutor.

A. This program is designed for individual tutoring, but if a child wants to learn alongside one or more friends from their B’naiture cohort, a group model is optional.

A. The meeting dates are determined based on the participant’s and tutor’s schedules. Once registration is complete, the participant’s family and the B’mitzvah tutor will have a conversation to get on the same page about priorities, plan, and schedule.

A. For individual tutoring sessions, you may cancel or reschedule up to 48 hours in advance by communicating directly with the tutor. For the ceremony, you may cancel or reschedule up to 90 days in advance directly with the tutor. In case of cancellation, Wilderness Torah will refund 75% of your unused fees within the 90-day cancellation window.

We endorse Chochmat HaLev located in Berkeley, California. Learn more about Mitzvat Halev here.

More Questions?

Ready to Enroll?