Learning in a Classroom
Hands-on Jewish learning with peers
This model is designed to be a two-year program for teens and peers. In Year One, students explore Judaism 101 through experiential learning. After Year One, students pick the Torah or Chai track—their inclusive community—as they explore designing their unique Shabbat service. We are offering Open Houses for you to learn more. Please click on the “Learn More at an Open House” button below for additional information.
Year One
During Year One of the Open Tent Be Mitzvah program, students come together once a week for 90-minute classes. Students explore Judaism 101 through two distinct lenses. The first lens is all about experiential learning! We explore Shabbat and Jewish holidays through games and cooking, we discuss what it means to be a mensch (being a good person), we engage in readers theater and we encourage students to think about different concepts of the Divine. The second lens asks students to figure out what it all means to them and how they connect with Judaism in a meaningful way.
Year Two
There are also two lenses in Year Two. The first lens is taking a deep dive into the Shabbat service, learning the themes of prayers, and discovering their own leadership voice. The second lens is the Jewish Wisdom Project which we divide into two tracks, Torah and Chai, and revolve around the student’s educational and personal goals for their coming of age. The year culminates in their debut as a teacher and leader of Jewish wisdom for their guests
Within each track, students have the freedom to shape their service’s content and atmosphere. Sharing Torah (Jewish wisdom stories) is a key part of each student’s journey, whether it is inspired by biblical texts or lessons from personal growth. We cherish and value every student’s teachings equally.
Want to know more about each track? Let’s meet them!
Both the Torah and Chai tracks offer strong and inclusive options for students embarking on their Be Mitzvah journey, celebrating the diverse ways in which students can connect with Judaism and find their own distinct leadership voice.
Torah Track
This track is perfect for students seeking a deep engagement with the Torah during their ceremony. The Torah – the collection of Jewish wisdom stories – takes center stage and this can take many forms:
- Reading from the Torah (either in Hebrew or by using transliteration)
- Writing a D’var Torah (an interpretation of ancient wisdom for today)
- Leading a Torah study or creating a monologue or dialogue inspired by the Torah portion.
Students can also choose the Torah portion being read the weekend of their ceremony or any Torah portion that speaks to them.
For those interested in learning to chant from the Torah in Hebrew, we can connect them with a tutor for an additional cost outside of class time. We are happy to provide a list of wonderful tutors to choose from.
The goal of this track is to make the Torah shine in a way that resonates with the student!
Chai Track
This track is for students who want to take a deeper dive into Jewish wisdom in a unique, experiential, creative and personally meaningful way. We have a number of choices within this track, and we’ve had students create their own ceremony outside of these options guided by their own coming of age goals. Let’s explore some of the options:
- 13 Challenges: Life is a journey, not just a destination. In this track, students take on Jewish and secular challenges that promote personal growth and responsibility. Examples range from interviewing professionals to conquering physical feats or exploring culinary traditions. At the students ceremony, they share not only about the challenges they undertook but, more importantly, what life lessons they learned about themselves through doing the challenges.
- Research Project: For those passionate about a specific aspect of Judaism, students can delve deep into a topic of interest and share their insights with guests. Students have done projects that have covered Jewish women who broke barriers and famous LGBTQIA+ Jews. Students have cooked their way thorough the Jewish year and created art inspired by Jewish holidays.
The Be Mitzvah Ceremony
Be Mitzvah ceremonies are led by the student in a venue of their choice. Families have hosted ceremonies in parks, in back yards, in hotel ballrooms, in synagogues and in backyards.
Program Details for 2025/26
Classes are held September through May and run in the evenings after school. More detailed location information and exact dates will be shared upon registration.
Location, Days & Times for Year 1 (2027 Cohort)
- Central Denver (located in Glendale) – Tuesday – 5:00-6:30 pm – with Yael
- South Denver (located near I-25 and E. Hampden Ave) – Wednesday – 5:00-6:30 pm – with Dan
- Central Denver (located in Glendale) – Thursday – 5:00-6:30 pm – with Ev
- San Francisco Bay Area (located in Oakland) – TBD
Location, Days & Times for Year 2
- Central Denver (located in Glendale) – Wednesday – 5:00-6:30 pm – with Yael
- Boulder (located in East Boulder) – Tuesday – 5:00-6:30 pm – with Ev
- South Denver (located near I-25 and E. Hampden Ave) – Tuesday – 5:00-6:30 pm – with Dan
Financial Commitment for 2025-26
- 2027 Cohort: $7,500 over 2 Years
This program is designed to last two years. We never want cost to be an issue, and we offer very flexible payment plans (just connect with our team to discuss options).
Want to learn more about the Open Tent Be Mitzvah program? We are here to help! If you would like to ask a question, or you’re looking for something that you can’t find, we encourage you to be in touch.
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