Be a Mensch invites learners aged 10-11 to step gently and joyfully into Jewish life through the doorway of values. Run over 8 group sessions, the program nurtures character and identity through creativity, music, and reflection. Be a Mensch helps learners discover that Judaism isn’t just something to learn about, but something to live.
relevant accessible learning
At The Shtiebel, we believe that Jewish learning should grow out of curiosity, kindness, and connection. Our community is open, inclusive, and creative — a place where families of every background can explore Jewish life in a way that feels authentic, joyful, and deeply human.
Be a Mensch invites children to step gently and joyfully into Jewish life through the doorway of values. It’s designed for learners aged 10-11, meeting once a month across the school year to explore the core teachings that shape who we are, how we treat others, and why being part of a Jewish community matters.
Whether your family is just beginning to explore Jewish identity, reconnecting after time away, or already actively involved, Be a Mensch offers a warm, welcoming space for children to grow in confidence, understanding, and belonging.
This is not a program about memorising information or performing Jewishness. It’s about living it — through reflection, creativity, music, ritual, and conversation. Learners discover that Jewish wisdom isn’t just ancient — it’s alive, guiding how we care, speak, and make choices every day.
By the end of each cycle, learners don’t simply “know more” about Judaism — they feel more connected to it. They see that being Jewish is something lived with kindness, purpose, and pride.
At its heart, Be a Mensch nurtures character and identity in harmony — helping children grow into thoughtful, grounded, compassionate people who know they belong to something larger than themselves.
flexible structure
Be a Mensch unfolds over the calendar year, offering a steady, engaging, and joyful pathway into Jewish values and community life.
Each year includes:
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Eight monthly Sunday afternoon sessions – hands-on, creative explorations of one Jewish value (middah) at a time
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One family gathering – to bring Jewish practice and conversation into the home
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Rolling entry – families are welcome to join at any point in the year
Because each session stands on its own while connecting to a larger story, families can start when the time is right and complete the full cycle across the year ahead.
In line with Shtiebel’s commitment to accessibility and inclusion, we make it easy for families to participate. Whether you begin in February or October, your child will be welcomed fully, supported completely, and guided to find their place within our learning community.
Be a Mensch also forms the natural bridge to Be Mitzvah, our next-stage program for ages 11-13 — creating a seamless pathway of Jewish identity, learning, and pride.
our learning journey
Each Be a Mensch session introduces a Jewish value (middah) as a doorway into character, community, and belonging. Through storytelling, ritual touchpoints, creative expression, and conversation, learners explore how each value helps them navigate the world as Jews and as humans.
1. Chesed — Kindness
Judaism begins with how we care for one another. Learners explore kindness as the foundation of Jewish living, seeing how compassion, generosity, and welcoming behaviour shape relationships and community.
2. Shmirat HaLashon — Guarding Our Words
Our words create the world we live in. Learners examine the power of speech in building trust and belonging, and how Jewish tradition teaches us to use language that uplifts, respects, and protects others.
3. Hakarat HaTov — Gratitude
Gratitude trains us to recognise blessing and live joyfully. Learners practise noticing and naming the good — in people, the world, and themselves — discovering how gratitude strengthens connection and appreciation.
4. Tzedek — Justice
Belonging calls us to responsibility beyond ourselves. Learners consider fairness, equity, and moral responsibility through a Jewish lens, exploring how we respond when something isn’t right and how small actions can create meaningful change.
5. Shabbat — Sacred Pause and Presence
Sacred time helps us remember who we are. Learners discover Shabbat as a weekly rhythm of rest, joy, and connection — a chance to anchor identity and community across generations.
6. Ometz Lev — Courage
Living our values often takes bravery. Learners explore stories of courage from Jewish tradition, reflecting on how standing up for others and staying true to our beliefs requires both heart and strength.
7. B’tzelem Elohim — Human Dignity
Every person is a reflection of holiness. Learners engage with the Jewish belief that all people are equally worthy, exploring inclusion, empathy, and how difference enriches our community.
8. Simchah — Joy
Joy sustains us and strengthens hope. Learners experience joy as a Jewish spiritual practice — celebrating life’s goodness and recognising happiness as a source of resilience and connection.
They’ll leave with:
- Confidence in who they are
- Connection to the Jewish story
- Commitment to living with kindness and meaning.
formative and transformative
Through these values, children come to understand that they are part of something enduring and beautiful — a living Jewish story that stretches across time and generations.
Through Be a Mensch, your child will:
- Discover how Jewish values guide everyday choices
- Build comfort with ritual, language, and tradition
- Experience the warmth and responsibility of community
- Practise empathy, teamwork, and reflective thinking
- Learn that being Jewish means caring — for themselves, for others, and for the world
In short, they leave ready to be mensches — grounded, kind, and proud to be Jewish.
register now
Contact Tammy to learn more or complete the registration form below:
