Adult B’nei Mitzvah Program

Become B’nei Mitzvah — At Any Age

A nine-month journey of Torah, community, and personal transformation — designed for WHC adults ready to reach this milestone.

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About the Program

Whether you never had the opportunity growing up, are exploring Judaism later in life, or simply feel the time is finally right, Washington Hebrew Congregation’s Adult B’nei Mitzvah program is for you. Led by Cantor Susan Bortnick and our gifted clergy, this nine-month experience weaves together serious Jewish learning, meaningful worship preparation, and the warmth of a close-knit cohort. You’ll study, practice, celebrate Shabbat together, and ultimately stand on the bimah to become b’nei mitzvah alongside your classmates on May 8, 2027.

This program is open exclusively to WHC members. Space is limited.

Program Goals

• Build an enduring community of adult learners connected to each other and to Torah
• Deepen Jewish knowledge across text, prayer, and practice
• Prepare participants to lead and participate in Shabbat morning worship
• Create a personally meaningful b’nei mitzvah experience rooted in Reform Jewish values

Program Structure

Getting Started: Your Initial Meeting with Cantor Bortnick

Every participant will begin with a one-on-one conversation with Cantor Bortnick. You’ll share what brings you to this milestone, and Cantor will assess your Hebrew background to help shape your learning journey.

Weekly Schedule

The program follows the Mondays@Macomb schedule and meets weekly in the evenings:

• 6:00 – 7:00 pm: Optional Hebrew foundations course (aleph/bet through basic reading) — one month, taught by WHC educators
• 7:00 – 7:30 pm: Dinner
• 7:30 – 9:00 pm: Courses, service preparation, and rehearsals

Fall Semester

• 5 weeks — Unlocking Prayer with Cantor Bortnick (a sixth session is woven into a Shabbat experience)
• 5 weeks — Books of the Bible: exploring each book and the Jewish themes it opens, taught by WHC clergy
• 1 dedicated Shabbat with reserved seating for the b’nei mitzvah cohort

Winter/Spring Semester

• 2 weeks — Haftarah study: an overview of the Prophets, then a deep dive into the specific prophet from which each participant’s Haftarah is drawn
• 4 weeks — Alternating between service preparation, collaborative speech writing, and one-on-one or small-group portion work in chevruta with Cantor Bortnick and/or the rabbi
• 4 weeks — Full rehearsals in the sanctuary with Cantor Bortnick and the rabbi
• 2 additional Shabbatot with reserved seating for the cohort — one earlier in the spring, and one the Shabbat of the service

Cost

• Adult B’nei Mitzvah Program (members only) — $1,100
• Optional 4-Week Hebrew Foundations Course — $200

Ready to Take This Step?

Space in this program is limited. If you are a WHC member and feel called to this journey, we invite you to register below. We look forward to walking this path alongside you.

Questions? Contact Becca Cook, rcook@whctemple.org.

Adult B'nei Mitzvah Class

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