Post B'nei Mitzvah Program

Are you looking for a meaningful post-B’nei Mitzvah Jewish educational experience for your child? Mitzvah Mensches Learning Lab is our social action group for teens ages 13-18 with disabilities and diverse learning needs, where students explore themes of philanthropy and social justice while working in an accessible class environment with 1:1 support.

Discover: Mitzvah Mensches Post B’nei Mitzvah Program

Social Action through Social Interaction
Class Calendar
Enrollment and Financial Information
Teen Volunteers in Gateways’ Jewish Education Programs
Frequently Asked Questions
Photos

You worked hard on b’nei mitzvah, and you achieved your goal. Here’s where the fun begins! Now you get to decide what’s important to you and how you’ll make a difference. Join with other teens to experiment with making your unique contribution to the Jewish community!

Mitzvah Mensches Learning Lab (or just Mitzvah Mensches for short) focuses on social action through social interaction. In each session, you’ll engage in meaningful Jewish learning focusing on Jewish values, text, and prayer. Through activities 1:1 with teen volunteers as well as with the whole class, you will learn about philanthropy and how it can be reflected in one — or a combination — of four ways: giving time, advocating for a cause, donating money, and/or contributing to a product.

Over the course of the year, you’ll work with your groupmates to identify and select several causes to support. You’ll use your Jewish knowledge to decide on the best form of philanthropy for each specific situation. Your interest drives the group’s choices, so every year is a totally new experience in the Learning Lab!

Mitzvah Mensches programming takes place at the JCC of Greater Boston at 33 Nahanton Street, Newton, MA.

Class Calendar

Click the image to view our 2022-2023 class calendar.

Image of the Jewish education programs' Sunday calendar for 2022-2023

Enrollment and Financial Information

Forms, instructions, and financial information for enrolling both new and returning students in one of Gateways’ Jewish Education Programs.

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student and volunteer smiling looking at binder

Teen Volunteers in Gateways’ Jewish Education Programs

Gateways’ highly-selective Teen Volunteer Program accepts applications from April/May through mid-June. Learn more about our Teen Volunteer Program and find out how to apply.

Frequently Asked Questions

What kinds of disabilities and learning needs do your students have?

Gateways provides programming to students with a wide range of disabilities and learning challenges. Students may have social and emotional, cognitive, or communication challenges as well as physical disabilities.

What are your teachers’ qualifications?

Our teachers all have formal training in education and/or special education and experience working with children with disabilities and diverse learning needs.

Do you accept new students mid-year?

Our program is unique in that each student is paired with a teen volunteer who is trained to provide support and guidance. We will accept a student mid-year if we have space in an appropriate class and an appropriate teen volunteer available.

How large are the classes? What is the student-to-staff ratio?

Classes typically have between five and eight students. Each class is run by a highly qualified teacher, and each student is also supported by either one or two designated teen volunteers. Two additional teen volunteers act as floaters in each classroom, and are ready to provide additional support as needed.

How are teen volunteers selected?

Teens who wish to be volunteers go through a competitive application process that includes writing an essay, submitting a letter of recommendation and participating in a face-to-face interview. We select teens who have experience with children, experience with individuals with disabilities and diverse learning needs, and who demonstrate that they can make a commitment to consistently attending the Sunday program and weekly teen training sessions.

Are you affiliated with any movement?

No. We are not affiliated with any movement, and we welcome families from all branches of Judaism.

Can we meet to discuss my situation?

Yes! We are always happy to meet with families as they are making enrollment decisions and at any point during the school year. Please contact to connect with us.

For more information about the Gateways Sunday Program, please contact .