Shnat Mitzvah

Shnat Mitzvah – The Israeli Mitzvah Year Journey

A unique educational and community experience for children and parents.

The Bar/Bat Mitzvah year is much more than a birthday or a celebration – it is a meaningful opportunity to pause and ask:
Who am I? Where do I belong? And what truly matters to me?

The Shnat Mitzvah program in Hebrew has been a thriving staple at the Israeli Center for several years. This year we are excited to launch two new cycles of the Shnat Mitzvah program one in Hebrew and one in English.

Shnat Mitzvah – The Israeli Mitzvah Year Journey – is a unique educational and community-based journey that will accompany children and their parents over several months through in depth, meaningful and engaging sessions.

Each session focuses on a different “circle of identity,” offering a structured space to explore various aspects of personal, family, and community identity.

The program tackles core themes in the lives of pre-teens, including coming of age/navigating adolescence, guiding values and well-being. Together we will explore questions of identity and belonging as they relate to family, community, and life between Israel and the U.S.

What to Expect:

• Identity & Self-Discovery: Exploring who I am as an individual, within my family, and as part of a community?
• Real, Open Dialogue: Meaningful conversations on topics that matter to pre-teens today: coming of age, guiding values and well-being.
• Tradition Meets Culture: A vibrant encounter with Jewish tradition and Israeli culture in a way that feels modern and connected.
• Bridges of Belonging: Navigating identity and community while honoring life between Israel and the United States.
• A Co-Created Grand Finale: To conclude the journey, families will collaborate to design their own final celebratory session, bringing their collective vision to life.

Why Join?

• This program was designed specifically for Israeli families living abroad by the Department for Organization and Connection with Israelis at the World Zionist Organization.
• Tailored to the world of 12-13 year olds and parents who want to be actively involved in this milestone journey.
• Will strongly resonate with Jewish families in the diaspora who feel a strong connection to Israel and are looking for a unique Bar/Bat Mitzvah experience.
• Guided by an experienced, empathetic facilitator who specializes in youth development and engagement.

Program Schedule

Tuesdays (Facilitated in Hebrew) | 6:45–8:15 PM

• Session 1 – October 13, 2026 
• Session 2 – October 27, 2026 
• Session 3 – November 10, 2026 
• Session 4 – November 24, 2026 
• Session 5 – December 8, 2026 
• Session 6 – December 22, 2026 
• Session 7 – January 5, 2027 
• Session 8 – January 19, 2027 
• Session 9 – February 2, 2027 
• Session 10 (Final festive session) – February 9, 2027

Note: The final session (Session 10) is not included in program tuition. It will be planned and designed independently by each group based on their collective preferences.

Wednesdays (Facilitated in English) | 6:45–8:15 PM

• Session 1 – October 21, 2026 
• Session 2 – November 4, 2026 
• Session 3 – November 18, 2026 
• Session 4 – December 2, 2026 
• Session 5 – December 16, 2026 
• Session 6 – January 6, 2027 
• Session 7 – January 13, 2027 
• Session 8 – January 27, 2027 
• Session 9 – February 10, 2027 
• Session 10 (Final festive session) – February 24, 2027

Note: The final session (Session 10) is not included in program tuition. It will be planned and designed independently by each group based on their collective preferences.