The UJPO/Morris Winchevsky School’s Adult Secular B’Mitzvah Program is a chance to cover big Jewish questions and some fundamentals of Jewish “ancestory”, history, and contemporary identity. Drawing on a set of Jewish texts from across the centuries and around the world, we will critically examine where “tradition” comes from and what it might mean to us in a secular Jewish context. Our curriculum explores Jewishness as a civilization of many diverse cultures and practices, and approaches our rich history & present from perspectives focused on social justice. We do not assume prior knowledge of Jewishness or Judaisms.

Every two weeks, the whole class will meet with the facilitator to discuss short readings and broad questions of Jewish history and identity; on the alternate weeks, students will meet with a classmate for an hour to discuss the week’s homework assignment. Each participant will also have an opportunity to do a research-informed project of their own choosing on any topic related to Judaism(s)/Jewishness, and everyone will have the option of presenting their work in a closing celebration for friends, family, and the wider UJPO/Winchevsky community.

Where: TBD in a downtown location.

When: Monday evenings from 7 - 9 pm. 7 week biweekly program, with an expectation of 6 rotating chevruta partners to meet for one hour in the off-weeks.

Dates: February 12 and 26, March 11 and 25, April 8 and 29, May 6Ceremony in early June, date TBD

Who: Sharoni Sibony as Adult Educator.

How: In-person

Class size: min/max: 10 +

Cost: $280 / UJPO member, $322 / non-member