B’nei Mitzvah Program
at Gateways Accessible Hebrew School
Gateways’ accessible B’nei Mitzvah Program is designed to make the milestone of bar/bat/b-mitzvah possible for every student and family, no matter their needs and abilities, so that every Jewish child can find their place as a full adult member of the Jewish community. Our non-denominational program for students ages 11-14 provides students with a wide range of disabilities and diverse learning needs with the individualized tutoring, materials, and practice they need in order to feel confident and successful on their bar/bar/b-mitzvah day.
Every Child Can Celebrate
a Joyful, Meaningful B-Mitzvah
Every student in the B’nei Mitzvah Program accomplishes three main goals:
1. Build Skills
2. Develop Jewish Knowledge
3. Create Community
Supporting Every Child’s Jewish Journey
Our program includes:
1:1 Tutoring with experienced Jewish special educators
Group classroom activities and t’fillot (prayer) services
Torah portion and prayer materials customized to each student
Lessons on synagogue skills and extra run-throughs so students feel comfortable and prepared
In-person programming takes place in the Greater Boston area. If you live outside of this area, read about our remote tutoring option here.
Discover What’s Possible
The Gateways B’nei Mitzvah Program has made a bar, bat, or b-mitzvah possible for over 115 Jewish teens with disabilities and diverse learning needs.
All I really wanted for my kid was some exposure to Judaism. I found Gateways, and exposure was only the beginning of what they could offer…The idea of my son learning about being a Jew and actually becoming a Bar Mitzvah had seemed so far-fetched. When I tried to picture it, it just made me sad. I imagined him being at the front of a random congregation and watching the service go on around him. It had never occurred to me that he would not only participate in but truly direct his entire service!
~ Marcie, Parent
When parents trust the educational process of Gateways and remain open minded to crafting a service which honors both the child and the bat mitzvah service together, magical things can happen.
~ Michelle & Ronald, Parents
When I found out about Gateways, it was as if we hit the jackpot. I’m not sure how Sam would have reached this milestone if it wasn’t for everyone at Gateways. All I knew is that I was adamant about making their b’nei mitzvah happen, because why should Sam have to miss out just because he has autism?
~ Dina, Parent
When we first came to Gateways, we had no idea that our daughter would be capable of doing all that she did at her Bat Mitzvah. This experience has been a lesson for all of us to keep raising the bar for her. And now she has a newfound confidence that she will have for the rest of her life. We are overflowing with gratitude that Gateways exists and made it possible for her to achieve such a tremendous milestone.
~ Robbie & Jonathan, Parents
Learn More — B’nei Mitzvah Program
Looking for something else?
If you’re an educator or clergy looking to support your own b’nei mitzvah students with diverse learning needs, check out our b’nei mitzvah resources for educators. Or, if your child is not between the ages of 11-14, check out our pre-b’nei mitzvah She’arim Program for children 5-11+ and post-b’nei mitzvah Mitzvah Mensches Program for teens!
Start Your B’nei Mitzvah Journey
Think Gateways’ Accessible Hebrew School might be a good fit for your child? Not sure if the B’nei Mitzvah Program is for you and want to learn more? Send us a message to start your Gateways journey today!