The Bat/Bar Mitzvah Mesimot (Project)
The Bat/Bar Mitzvah Mesimot (Project)
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.
The Project Educator

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