Program

Bar Mitzvah

About the program

Journey to 13, UJEB’s unique Bar Mitzvah program, is a coming-of-age experience that is contemporary and meaningful for participants.

Our 6-month program is a creative and alternative option for marking this important Jewish life milestone, which enables participants to take their place in our community as passionate and engaged young men.

Bar Mitzvah

The program focuses on four main themes: community & family, culture, exercise & mindfulness, and rites of passage. It includes visits from inspiring community figures and organisations, and culminates in a ceremony designed by the boys themselves.

Journey to 13 can either stand alone, or complement a more traditional synagogue Bar Mitzvah. It is open to all, and is suitable for students at non-Jewish schools. Affiliation with a synagogue is not required. The program runs annually from July to December.

The Bar-Mitzvah Program total cost is $635 plus a small additional cost for ceremony.

UJEB's Bar Mitzvah
UJEB’s Bar Mitzvah program runs on Thursday, after school at various locations in Caulfield and Bentleigh.
 
To find out more or sign up, contact our Bar Mitzvah Coordinator, Noah Loven, at barmi@ujeb.org.au or on 0401 169 342

UJEB 2022 Bar Mitzvah Program

Program Themes

Community & Family

Our community helps us grow and shapes who we are. Participants explore the different communities they are part of and delve into their family history with a roots project.

Culture

From falafel to footy, Jewish Australians have a diverse culture. Who we are is defined by where we have come from and where we live. Participants explore their culture and how it enriches their life.

Exercise & Mindfulness

Participants learn the importance of managing themselves and maintaining balance, and explore various methods to achieve this.

Rites of Passage

Different cultures have unique ways of welcoming young men into their communities. Participants look at different coming-of-age ceremonies and then design one for their own group, to find their own special way to mark this important life event.

Testimonials

The UJEB program is designed to teach young people about what it means to become Bar Mitzvah. We chose this program for (our son) Oliver as we wanted him to learn about this stage of life, in relation to being part of the Jewish community, and also being Jewish in the wider Australian community. Being part of the program gave Oliver the opportunity to reflect and discuss one’s responsibilities and many other interesting topics, with other Jewish boys of similar age. He participated in the Bar Mitzvah Program in 2020 and I was pleasantly surprised at how Sam (their leader) managed to keep the group of boys not just learning but engaged in conversations online!! I would definitely recommend this to others who are looking for a connection with the Jewish community.
Miruna LauParent of 2020 Bar Mitzvah graduate
The UJEB program was a fantastic kick start into my son’s Barmitzvah year. The diversity of topics and the connection with other Jewish boys is what initially attracted us to the program and we weren’t disappointed. In particular, my son loved meeting a new group of kids and being able to have discussions he otherwise wouldn’t have had in a supportive environment. From delving into ‘manhood’, learning some Krav Maga and having dinner together in the Sukkah with a holocaust survivor, this program covered a variety of interesting and age appropriate topics. Samuel was fantastic in facilitating this all. Elijah has really enjoyed the past few months – thank-you!
Vicky KurielParent of 2019 Bar Mitzvah graduate
The UJEB program was brilliant for our son, Tal. It’s important to us that our kids find where they fit within the Jewish narrative and community – our family isn’t religious, and our kids attend a public school. Connecting Tal with a group of likeminded boys and going through their Barmi journey was a perfect introduction to what it means to be a good man, and how that fits with Jewish life. You couldn’t ask for a better role model than Samuel, the UJEB Bar Mitzvah Coordinator. He is engaging and kind, and our son was always excited to attend the sessions. Learning the Parsha along with the program gave it so much more meaning. The programme comes highly recommended.
Shila Barak and Mitch BuzzaParents of 2019 Bar Mitzvah graduate
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