Bar Mitzvah Program

Two Programs

This year, South Caulfield Hebrew Congregation is excited to offer two Bar Mitzvah programs—one in the first half of the year and another in the second half.

• First Half of 2025: This program is for Bar Mitzvah boys who will be in Year 7 in 2025.
• Second Half of 2025: This program is for Bar Mitzvah boys who will be in Year 6 in 2025.

Approach to the Bar Mitzvah Program:

Rabbi Mendy and Lifshy Ajzenszmidt bring a unique and all-encompassing approach to the program.
The Program has been designed to be inclusive, educational, interactive, relevant and a lot of fun!

The Program has been designed to be inclusive, educational, interactive, relevant and a lot of fun! It’s philosophy is based on three pillars. Identity, Responsibility and Community. These three pillars include looking at the young person’s relationship with themselves and their family, the world, and their Judaism.

This program will run in addition to the learning of the Parsha through the year. This will be done independently of the program. Chazzan Greg Hurvitz (and depending on availability, Rabbi Ajzensmidt) can assist with Parsha preparations or you are welcome to use your own preferred teacher. Bookings to have the Barmitzvah in the Shule should be done through the Shule office.

THE KEY ELEMENTS OF THIS PROGRAM ARE AS FOLLOWS:

• The Program will consist of 5 special sessions covering various aspects of becoming an adult Jewish male. The program will also include attending Shule services. The broad themed overview of the session are:

1. Responsibility
2. My Judaism - Jewish Learning
3. Charity/Volunteering
4. Prayer
5. Family
6. The Shule
7. Shule Attendance

Sessions are age-appropriate. Learning is conducted in a creative environment with fun activities and ways of exploring interesting and relevant topics.

OUTLINE OF SESSIONS:

• Sessions take place through the school year following the Government school calendar but will also not have scheduled classes on Jewish Holidays

   

WHO IS THE PROGRAM SUITED TO?

• Age / Year Level… The Program is open to boys aged 12 and turning 13 in 2025/early 2026.

• Outlook … Looking to expand their minds, thoughtful, curious, fun.

• Religious Beliefs… No requirements. Anyone who is open to thinking and learning is more than welcome

Sessions and Logistics:

First Program Dates (Year 7 in 2025)

• Sundays: 9 February, 23 February, 16 March, 30 March, 11 May
• Time: 5:00 pm – 7:00 pm
• Dinner provided
• Graduation Ceremony and Shabbat Dinner: Friday, 13 June

Second Program Dates (Year 6 in 2025)

• Sundays: 27 July, 10 August, 24 August, 7 September, 19 October
• Time: 5:00 pm – 7:00 pm
• Dinner provided
• Graduation Ceremony and Shabbat Dinner: Friday, 14 November

The program is designed for Bar Mitzvah boys to attend with their fathers. If this is an issue, please notify us.​​​​​

• Some activities may require participants to leave South Caulfield Hebrew Congregation premises. Parents are always advised when this is.

• A signed and completed enrollment form (including permission slip) and code of conduct are required prior to the commencement of the first session.

• There will be a graduation ceremony & Shabbat dinner will be open for family and friends.

Your child's safety is our priority! We ensure the following:

• staff all have working with children checks

• we follow a child protection policy

• our door is always open to discuss any issue

PROGRAM FEES:

Program Fees:

Member Prices: $175.00

Non-Member Prices: $200.00

Graduation ceremony will be charged separeatly for catering.

It is our policy that no one should miss any of our programs due to financial their situation. If you require special consideration please contact the Rabbi Ajzenszmidt for a confidential discussion on 0405 766 241 or rabbi.mendy@schc.org.au

Next Steps:

Questions…Please contact the SCHC office – 9578-5922 or office@schc.org.au

Enrollment… Please complete the Online enrolment form