Shaarei Mitzvah directly translates to “Gates of Mitzvah” and is the PSJC program for all families and teens in the year that the teen becomes a bar or bat mitzvah at PSJC, regardless of whether the teen is enrolled in PSJC's Hebrew School (e.g., they may be Jewish Day School students). We begin in the spring of the 6th grade year with one or two gatherings to kick-off our joint exploration into the bnai mitzvah process and what it means to enter into Jewish adulthood. Throughout the 7th grade year,  students participate in a variety of experiences at PSJC and in settings around New York City. Student experiences may include the Lower East Side Scavenger Hunt, an exploration of Borough Park, and a Tzedakah workshop with the American Jewish World Service.  Additionally, there are workshops on how to write and give a dvar Torah, guest speakers, and more!  Families join together for Shabbat meals and programs that explore Jewish identity, family values, community building, and more. Parent sessions with Rabbi Carie allow parents to discuss what the bnai mitzvah process means to them.

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*Note, on weekends when there is a Shaarei Mitzvah event on Shabbat, students enrolled in the PSJC Hebrew School do not have class that Sunday.