The Bat/Bar Mitzvah Mesimot (Project)

In Israel, the B’nai & B’not Mitzvah is an ongoing cultural event that involves family, friends and the community. It is an opportunity to revive family heritage, and many times will include a community service project and/or a physical challenge component (such as hiking) and getting rooted with nature.

An enrichment experience intended to compliment (not replace) your synagogue’s bar/bat mitzvah learning and activities.

Join us and become a part of a teen group, inspired by this Israeli approach. Our group of teens will meet 10 times during the school year, including an introductory meeting and a one-day family opening retreat for the program. Together we will experience exceptional hands-on activities, aimed for teens and focused on relevant themes for this time in their life, such as:

“SURVIVOR” – experiencing the outdoors and learning about survival.

“Iron Chef” – heritage thorough cooking, including a visit to the Westside Market.

Personal Responsibility and Leadership – including a visit to Spirit of Leadership Horse farm in Novelty, Ohio.

Minding my environment through mindfulness and emotional resiliency – including a visit to the Upcycle Workshop.

Fun day celebrating independence – teens and Shin Shinim.

Activities will take place once a month on a Sunday afternoon. Each meeting will be around 3-5 hours long, depending on the activity. At the time of each activity, we will follow COVID-19 guidelines provided by the State of Ohio, the Cuyahoga County Board of Health, and the CDC.

Cost: $112 for Girls and $113 for Boys. (Additional charges for Family activities-TBD). Scholarships are available.

For more information, please email Leah Marek or call 216-338-3813

The Project Educator

Mirit Balkan

Mirit Balkan, a Mom of 3 (15,13,8) arrived in Cleveland a decade ago from Israel. She brings with her over twenty years of experience in group facilitation with expertise in Conflict Transformation and Peace Building.

Mirit worked at The Yitzhak Rabin Center and Gilo Center for Civic Society and Democracy in Israel, and at The Jewish Federation of Cleveland as a Program Manager for 7 years.Mirit is currently a graduate of The Weathered School of Management at Case University in the Leadership Deep Dive track and is committed to independent study of Talmud, Positive Psychology, and mindfulness.

She has been the mentor and facilitator for IAC –Gvanim Community Leadership program and is continuously looking for ways to create significant dialogues and meaning for individuals and groups.

Testimonies

Thank you so much for putting this activity together, it feels so good to see everyone even if it’s on a screen”

“Rami came back in an energized mood and enthusiastically explained what they did.He really enjoyed it, even though he doesn’t know all the kids yet”…

“Just got a whole rundown from J. on how to survive the woods…(and teenage years…) he says it was awesome! Thanks.”

“This program was a good way for N. to meet new teens her age.The activities were so creative and took N. out of the staff usually offered for teens”.

“Thank you so much for putting this activity together, it feels so good to see everyone even if it’s on a screen”