B'nei Mitzvah
Children who are least 10 yrs of age may enroll in the B'nei Mitzvah Program. This is a two-year Jewish Studies Course that helps to prepare the children to become sons and daughters of the commandments. Jack and Kim Bader are the B'nei Mitzvah teachers.
B'nei Mitzvah classes are held during the spring and fall semesters at 9:30 to 10:30 AM each Shabbat in the Manasseh classroom. During this time younger children may attend Children's Shabbat School while adults may attend Adult Shabbat School.
Adults can also check out our Adult B'nei Mitzvah program.
The Fall 2008 semester starts August 2nd.
If you would like to enroll your son or daughter in the Baruch HaShem Children's B'nei Mitzvah classes, please plan on attending the orientation meeting Saturday, January 10th at 1:30 - 2:30 pm in Chaverah Hall. The program is for children who are at least 10 yrs. of age through 16 yrs of age and who have a desire to fulfill the mitzvah of making Aliyah to the Torah. Children may also enroll in the class without an intention to read from the Torah.. All current and new students are required to attend the meeting with their parents. Please contact Beth Cale if you have any questions: 972-386-0121 or send an email to:
For more information contact:
Program Outline:
Year 1
The Bar/Bat Mitzvah student needs to be well informed of G-d’s word concerning His plan and purpose for all creation. Creation was no accident. A personal, caring G-d created the universe. It is of greater importance for us to know that G-d “created all things by Yeshua the Messiah;” (Ephesians 3:9) and further, that “all things were created by Him, and for Him,” (Colossians 1:16) and that “of Him, and through Him, and to Him are all things” (Romans 11:36). This places creation in living connection with our Messiah, Yeshua. Through this unit, students will gain a foundation in G-d’s word concerning His creation that will equip them to defend their faith for “through faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of G-d” and present the good news to non-believers. I Peter 3:15 “But in your hearts set apart Messiah as L-rd. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect.”
As the Bar/Bat Mitzvah student studies the biblical history of how G-d has dealt redemptively with the Jewish people, he/she will gain insight into the plans and purposes of G-d for his/her life. The student will not only gain an appreciation of the Jewish roots of Messianic faith, but be established in his/her identity in Messiah Yeshua.
Students will learn visual and auditory discrimination of the Hebrew Alef-bet letters. They will learn to write in both block and script and practice blessings, prayers, Hebrew songs, and the Four Questions from the Pesach Seder.
Students encounter Hebrew as a living language by building on their everyday and holiday experiences, at home and in school. Students will learn 160 key words and an additional 90 holiday and enrichment words, as well as comprehension and language skills. Students will also learn blessings for the home and synagogue, including Shabbat and the holidays, and selected prayers from the Friday evening and Shabbat morning services.
Year 2
The Bar/Bat Mitzvah student will learn the modern history of the land of Israel including the birth of Zionism, the waves of Aliyah, the Holocaust, the founding of the State of Israel, and profiles of those who shaped Israeli history. It is our prayer that a love for Israel, (ahavat Tzion), will be cultivated in the heart of the student as they discover the importance of Israel to Jews around the world as a symbol, a refuge, and a homeland.
"How G-d anointed Yeshua from Natzeret with the Ruach HaKodesh and with power, and how Yeshua went about doing good and healing all the people who were oppressed by the Adversary, because G-d was with Him.” (Acts 10:38) Students will study the life of Yeshua and how to put their faith into action as they reach out to the community with deeds of kindness. The Messianic expression of Tzedakah, Sh’mirat Halashon, Kibbud Av’Va’em, and Bikkur Cholim are some of the mitzvot that will be explored. The Bar/Bat Mitzvah student is expected to do a Mitzvah project as a part of this process to learn that faith in Yeshua is not just about worshiping in a synagogue, but about how we live our daily lives.
Students acquire 151 new words and develop their language and comprehension skills. They learn to understand increasingly difficult and complex stories, and also to conduct simple conversations in Hebrew.
Following Years
After 2-3 yrs of Hebrew, the student can learn his/her Torah Portion. Students will learn the cantillation of their specific Torah portion in preparation to become a bar/bat mitzvah.
Resources:
"Heart of Wisdom" Creation unit
Baruch HaShem Yeshiva course "Jewish History" taught by Rabbi Jamie Cowan.
Jewish publisher Behrman House has age specific books available to study Jewish History. Please note that this publisher represents traditional Jewish thinking, not Messianic.
"Our Father Abraham" also comes with an e-workbook that can be printed out. This book explores the history of Messianic Judaism.
"Jesus, the Jewish Theologian"
"Yeshua: A Guide to the real Jesus and the Original Church"
The Messiah e-book
See the Hebrew Education Ministry pages for information on Hebrew language classes and cantillation training.
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