The Great’s Bat Mitzvah program spreads its wings
The Great Synagogue is offering its Embracing Bat Mitzvah: Sisterhood and Tradition program to non-members and women across the wider Sydney Jewish community.
The 2023 Bat Mitzvah girls
The program is now open to all Jewish women aged 20+ who did not have a Bat Mitzvah at age 12 and want to participate in this milestone moment.
Sharon Schach, Chair of Great Women, said: “We have been running a highly successful adult Bat Mitzvah program at The Great Synagogue for several years. In that time, we’ve had more than twenty women ranging in age from their twenties up to 99 years old complete their Bat Mitzvah. Due to the overwhelming demand and success of the program, we are excited to expand this initiative beyond The Great Synagogue, offering many more Jewish women the opportunity to experience a meaningful Bat Mitzvah celebration. Our program is a true celebration of sisterhood and provides a unique chance to embrace traditions in a new and mature way.”
Many women who participated in our program did not have the opportunity to have a Bat Mitzvah in their youth for various reasons. Some have deepened their connection to their faith and Jewish identity later in life, while others have converted to Judaism as adults, making a Bat Mitzvah at age 12 impossible. Some have joined our program seeking stronger community bonds and spiritual growth. Regardless of your motivation, our Embracing Bat Mitzvah program promises a transformative experience in the company of like-minded women.”
The 12-week program, culminating in a group Bat Mitzvah in December 2024, includes weekly classes covering a breadth of topics, including spirituality, history, personal connection, and practical learning. It also offers plenty of opportunities for discussion and exploration of Judaism. The Embracing Bat Mitzvah curriculum has been specifically designed for adult women and includes a range of experienced educators.
The Great’s Rabbi Dr Benjamin Elton commented: “Torah is for life, and every year our cohort of adult Benot Mitzvah prove exactly that; you are never too late to enhance your learning journey. Inclusivity is one of our values at The Great Synagogue and the ‘Embracing Bat Mitzvah’ program is just one of the many ways we showcase this through our actions.
“Offering our Embracing Bat Mitzvah program to a wider cohort of women outside of The Great Synagogue community highlights that it’s never too late to experience what many of our participants have referred to as an incredibly special and spiritually fulfilling moment. Embracing Bat Mitzvah is an exercise in empowering women to continue to explore their connection to Judaism in a mature way. We have no doubt that participants will walk away inspired, excited and with a new perspective on their relationship with Judaism, as well as with a group of new friends in the process.”
Expressions of interest for The Great Synagogue Becoming Bat Mitzvah program are currently open. Visit https://www.greatsynagogue.org.au/ebm24 for more information and to submit your expression of interest.
