Jewish Journeys Juniors invites young learners to discover what it means to learn, love, and live Judaism in ways that are accessible, relevant, and honest. Rooted in Shtiebel’s spirit of openness and belonging, our programs spark curiosity, creativity, and connection — helping each learner find their own doorway into Jewish life.
be a mench
“Be a Mensch” is a values-centred Jewish learning programme for young learners aged roughly 10–11, designed to nurture character, identity, and a deeply felt sense of Jewish living. Across eight sessions held monthly, participants explore core Jewish values such as kindness (chesed), gratitude (hakarat ha-tov), courage (ometz lev), justice (tzedek), and human dignity (b’tzelem Elohim). Through stories, music, creativity, and gentle ritual experiences, the programme helps learners see that Judaism is not only something to know, but something to live—with curiosity, joy, and compassion.
The structure is intentionally welcoming and flexible, with rolling entry so families can join at any point in the year, and includes one family gathering to bring values home in a tangible way. The tone is warm, inclusive, and accessible, offering a meaningful pathway for families at every stage of Jewish exploration—whether just beginning, reconnecting, or already engaged in Jewish life. “Be a Mensch” forms a natural foundation for future participation in Shtiebel’s Jewish learning pathways, fostering confidence, belonging, and a sense of shared community grounded in Jewish wisdom and practice.
be mitzvah
Be Mitzvah” is a year-long journey designed for young learners in Years 5 and 6 (around ages 11–13) to explore what it means to be part of the Jewish community, to belong, and ultimately to become Jewish-active. Across eight monthly group gatherings and one family experience, the programme engages participants through learning, creativity, ritual, art, music, food and justice work — all woven together into a lived exploration of Jewish identity, responsibility and pride.
The programme is intentionally flexible and inclusive: learners can join at any point in the yearly cycle and are fully supported whether they are following the journey in preparation for a b’-mitzvah or simply as a standalone learning pathway. At its heart “Be Mitzvah” helps each young person move from being (just part of the community) to belonging (feeling connected) to becoming (taking ownership of Jewish life) — confident, curious and proud.
aleph bet basics
At Shtiebel, we believe Hebrew is more than a language — it’s the living heartbeat of Jewish life. Learning to read Hebrew opens a doorway into prayer, song, and story, connecting learners directly to the rhythms of Jewish tradition and the shared language of our people. Hebrew literacy gives young learners the keys to participate meaningfully in Jewish practice and to carry our heritage forward with confidence and pride.
Aleph-Bet Basics is Shtiebel’s foundational Hebrew-reading programme designed especially for primary-school learners. It can be taken alongside Jewish Journeys Junior or as a preparation for an individualised Be Mitzvah journey. The course takes complete beginners from recognising letters and vowels to fluent reading that allows them to fully participate and lead at the Shabbat table. Offered as six small-group sessions ($180) or eight one-on-one lessons ($600), Aleph-Bet Basics builds confidence at a pace that suits each learner. Rooted in Shtiebel’s commitment to accessibility and inclusion, cost is never a barrier — scholarships and payment plans are always available. By the end of the programme, learners gain not just reading skills but a deeper sense of connection, belonging, and joy in Jewish life.
b’ mitzvah services and ceremonies
At Shtiebel, we re-imagine the b’ mitzvah as far more than a ceremony — it’s a deeply personal journey of identity, belonging, and becoming. Each learner’s pathway is crafted to reflect their individuality, interests, and values, ensuring an experience that feels authentic and enduring. Through one-on-one tutoring, creative exploration, and ritual engagement, students grow in confidence and curiosity while discovering their unique place within the Jewish story. Every b’ mitzvah is shaped by what is meaningful to the learner and their family, celebrating diversity in practice and belief while nurturing pride in Jewish life.
Our B’ Mitzvah Experience combines personalised tutoring with opportunities for family connection and community engagement. Learners typically complete 20–25 sessions with Rabbi Gersh Lazarow or Tammy Cohen RJE, focusing on skills in communication, reflection, leadership, and Jewish literacy. Termly family workshops and Shabbat gatherings bring the learning to life through hands-on exploration of Torah, mitzvot, Shabbat, and social justice. By the end of the journey, each learner steps forward not just to mark a milestone, but to claim a lasting place in the unfolding story of our people — connected, confident, and proud.