CBI's program for children preparing for bar and bat mitzvah is called "Ne'arim," Hebrew for "Youths." Students in the program meet every Monday after school for a class in Jewish history, thought and practice taught by Rabbi Barenblat, and a class in Hebrew taught by Susan Federspiel. Students have weekly assignments to complete with their parent or parents.
The Hebrew component of our Ne'arim program is based around the Mitkadem program for Hebrew learning that was created by the Reform Movement. Mitkadem students learn to read Hebrew and enjoy a sense of accomplishment as they progress through a series of well-organized, stimulating, and self-paced ramot (levels).
The Judaica component of our Ne'arim program is based around a series of three textbooks by Naomi Pasachoff. We spend one year reading and discussing the book on God, the next year reading and discussing the book on Torah, and the third year reading and discussing the book on Israel. In addition, Rabbi Barenblat plans a variety of creative, hands-on activities designed to help the Ne'arim students engage with Judaism in a stimulating, age-appropriate way.
Families interested in enrolling their children, ages ten and older, in the Ne'arim program should contact the office.
