Adult B’nai Mitzvah Journey

Did you have a Bar/ Bat Mitzvah as a teen?  Or, like many generations of Russian-speaking Jews growing up in the Soviet Union, did you not have an opportunity to do so?  Are you curious or dreaming of having your Bar/ Bat Mitzvah now, as an adult?  Check out COJECO Adult B’nai Mitzvah Journey!  Through this carefully curated program, a cohort of adult Jewish students will delve into Jewish philosophy and traditions, dilemmas in Jewish history, learn how to analyze classical Jewish texts through the prism of the modern society, ponder into the world of Jewish mysticism, ask further questions about their own Russian Jewish heritage, and finish with a better understanding of modern day Israel and American Jewry.

You will also view unique collections of medieval Jewish manuscripts at the JTS library, visit and explore the archives of Eastern European Jewry at the YIVO Institute, study original documents of the American Student Movement for Soviet Jewry, enjoy walking tours of Jewish historical sites! 

Finally, the program will culminate with a beautiful B’nai Mitzvah ceremony in a NY Jewish historical landmark.   

The program includes eight educational sessions and experiences.  In addition, the participants will meet  for up to five individual sessions with their chosen mentor.   Individual sessions will offer the participants an opportunity for personal Jewish exploration with knowledgeable and caring mentors (educators, Rabbis, cantors, etc.) and will prepare them to read and chant from the Torah during the B’nai Mitzvah ceremony.

Sessions will take place on Thursday nights 6-8:30PM in Manhattan, unless otherwise indicated. (Dates are subject to change). 

January 9th, 2025 

January 30th, 2025 

February 13th, 2025  

March 2nd, 2025 (Sunday, 11-2PM) 

March 20th, 2025 

April 3rd, 2025 

May 1st, 2025  

May 22nd, 2025 

June 15th, 2025- Ceremony and festive celebration

Subsidized Program Cost: $775- until September 16th

Program Cost Includes:

• Eight educational sessions and experiences
• Five individual sessions with mentors
• Ceremony and Festive Celebration in NY Jewish historical landmark (Adult participant is included in cost, each additional guest participation is $75 per person).

Program Registration is complete upon receiving the full program payment. 

This program is generously sponsored by the UJA-Federation of New York