Learning: Family B'nai Mitzvah University and Tutorial

In Jewish tradition, study is a holy activity and a sacred obligation.

Becoming a Bar or Bat Mitzvah is a part of the lifelong learning in which every Jewish adult engages.

Our B'nai Mitzvah process has several learning components:

1. Religious School. All students are expected to be registered in our Religious School and have a minimum of 70% attendance.
2. Hebrew Learning. Most of our students attend the Am Shalom Hebrew School program, and some work with a private tutor for the years prior to entering into the B'nai Mitzvah program.
3. Family B'nai Mitzvah Class. This is a required three-session family class (student and at least one parent) with the rabbis and cantors. The class is a mandatory and integral part of your family's preparation for the B'nai Mitzvah process. The class takes place approximately 18 months before the Bar or Bat Mitzvah date, usually in April or October. You will receive an invitation to register for the class.
4. Individual Tutoring. Students will be assigned an individual tutor to review their prayers and assist in learning the Torah and Haftarah portions. In addition, students will spend about 6 weeks working with a Cantor in the weeks immediately prior to the service. Some families choose to engage their own private tutors, and we ask that you communicate this choice with us. 
5. Clergy Appointments. Our students have a wonderful opportunity to get to know the rabbis and cantors through a series of appointments to discuss the Torah portion, prayers, and develop the speeches that the students deliver at their Bar and Bat Mitzvah services.

Am Shalom Bar/Bat Mitzvah Tutoring Policy

• The Bar/Bat Mitzvah fee includes up to 40 sessions if needed, with Am shalom tutors: a combination of services provided by our professional tutors and Cantor.
• There are 8 meetings included with the Am Shalom Clergy over this 12-14 month period of time along with the 3 Family B'nai Mitzvah Class sessions.
• All appointments may be scheduled online using the Schedulicity website. Click here to access the Am Shalom portal on Schedulicity.
• Tutoring appointments need to be canceled with 24 hours notice to avoid being counted against the maximum 40 sessions included in the Bar/Bat Mitzvah fee. Rescheduling tutoring appointments may be done online unless it is within 24 hours of the appointment, in which case, please contact your tutor directly.
• If additional tutoring sessions are required, arrangements may be made between the parents and a tutor to secure extra training.