From Cantor Julie Steinberg

It is our tradition at CBI to begin a new Adult B’nai Mitzvah class every three years.  We begin in the fall and travel through the Jewish year together.  The class meets for about 18 months and during the final half year, students learn to chant Torah and Haftarah and prepare to lead the service on the upcoming day of their B’nai Mitzvah.  It’s an exciting journey to take together.

When the class begins, students arrive with different but overlapping goals and expectations.  There’s excitement to get started, nervousness about what’s expected and the unknown of who are the other people around the table.  There is a wide range of Jewish experience, knowledge of Hebrew and familiarity with holidays and prayers amongst the students, and yet everyone is taking the same path toward their goal of becoming B’nai Mitzvah.  

One of the most important, sacred and special parts of this class is the community that is formed.  Each student becomes a valuable and essential part of this community.  Students learn about each other and support each other in both the learning and in life.  Over time, trust is built so that by the time chanting of Torah begins, everyone around the table knows they can rely on each other – a sacred community on a unique journey.

A new class was to begin this fall.  But this year is not like other years. This year, class would have to be via Zoom for an indeterminate amount of time.  I have been struggling with the question of having a class via Zoom and have ultimately decided that it is worth waiting for the time when we can physically be together.  It’s worth waiting because each Adult B’nai Mitzvah class should have the opportunity to build community, trust, and experience in person.   

I love teaching those who want to take on the commitment of 18 months of study.  I am excited for each new beginning and kvell with each student as they stand before the Torah.  I am looking forward to setting a new start date for our next Adult B’nai Mitzvah class.  Please stay tuned for future announcements and updates. I pray that this time comes quickly and that until then, everyone stays healthy and safe.