Adult B'nei Mitzvah

B'nei Mitzvah celebrations are often at the heart of our Shabbat morning service, but this opportunity is not something that only belongs to our younger members. All Jewish adults are considered B'nei Mitzvah – children of the commandments – but not all Jewish adults have had the opportunity to mark that status in the presence of their community.

If you are interested in exploring what this opportunity could mean for you, or you would like to help another member of FRS learn to read from the Torah or write a D'var Torah, then please get in touch!

For an initial conversation please email rabbimberger@frs.org.uk.

Some FAQ

I can't read Hebrew- does that matter?
No. 

I used to know Hebrew but it's a bit rusty
This is true for a lot of adults in our community and we'll support you to refresh your knowledge without making any assumptions about what you can or can't already read.

I'd love to do it but I'm worried it's a huge commitment 
We often say to our younger B'nei Mitzvah students that you don't get more Mitzvah points by reading more Torah. This is no less true for adult learners. You'll be able to take on a manageable piece of learning that suits your aspirations and goals.

What about leyning (chanting)?
That's definitely on the agenda for those who want it, but nobody is going to force you to chant. Once we've met as a group and we understand what people's interests are and where everyone is starting from we'll then organise some leyning lessons at the right time.

What is b'nei mitzvah? I thought it was just Bar/Bat Mitzvah? 
B'nei Mitzvah is simply the correct hebrew way of pluralising bar/bat mitzvahs. As well as being gramatically correct it also means that when we address a group we aren't excluding those who do not identify as either bar/bat. 

I don't have a Hebrew name
Then this is a great time to get one!