Research & Development for New Program!

This year we at COJECO are exploring the need and interest of the Russian-speaking Jewish community for a customized, culturally sensitive, pluralistic family program for parents and their children leading up to Bar/Bat Mitzvah.

May be interested in this program? TAKE OUR SURVEY! Help us customize and tailor this program to your needs and interests. The survey should take about 5-10 minutes to complete. Thank you!

Possible Program Elements

The year-long program would offer Russian-speaking Jewish families an immersive, multifaceted experience so children and parents can learn about the history, significance, traditions, and rituals of becoming Bar/Bat Mitzvah through a culturally sensitive lens and in the comfort of a like-minded community.
Below are some of the possible program elements that B’nai Mitzvah Family Journey may include:

1. Launch weekend retreat where B’nai Mitzvah families gather for the first time to meet the other participants and begin the process of Jewish experiential learning.

2. Families would gather for regular informal educational sessions, where parents and children together learn about the history and traditions that have been passed down through them through generations.

3. Participants would host Shabbat dinners for peer families, with the assistance of COJECO staff, learning the rituals and traditions shared by Jews around the world, but also customizing the experience with their own personal touches, featuring contributions from teens and parents.

4. Each family may choose a personally meaningful Mitzvah Project, deepening their engagement with the community and each other.

5. Interactive webinars for teens would help them prepare for the Bar/Bat Mitzvah ceremony and explore their own journeys among peers.

6. B’nai Mitzvah families would go on a trip to Israel, culminating in a B’nai Mitzvah ceremony at the Kotel.

7. Upon return, a participants would enjoy a grand ceremony and celebration for friends and family in NY.

We would love to know what you think. Please take 5-10 minutes to fill out this survey and help us shape this program.

Thank you very much in advance! If you have any questions, please contact Olga Markus at OlgaM@cojeco.org.