Beneath the Surface
Beneath the Surface
Mayyim Hayyim's Program for Bat Mitzvah Girls and their Mothers
This three-session Sunday afternoon program is an opportunity for mothers and daughters to explore the transition of becoming bat mitzvah. Moms and girls will learn and share separately and together and will create a personal ritual to mark this unique time in their lives.
Note: immersion is not part of this program; if desired, individual appointments may be scheduled following the program.
REGISTRATION DEADLINE: October 13; space is limited and registrations are accepted as space is available.
For more information, please contact Lisa Berman, Education Center Director, LisaB@MayyimHayyim.org, 617-244-1836 x205. See below for additional program details.
This program is supported by a generous grant from the Boston Jewish Community Women's Fund.
Session Content
- Discussion of family rituals and experiences
- Exploring mikveh as a lens for understanding transitional rituals; how to create a personal ritual
- Siyyim (completion) – opportunity for expression of the personal ritual that participants have created, creation of personal midrash to mark this time
Participation guidelines
Girls should be in 6th or 7th grade; program is geared to those who are pre-bat mitzvah.
Participation is for girls with their mother or other adult female relative.
Class will be limited to 8-11 pairs.
Mothers of any (or no) religious background who are raising Jewish child(ren) are warmly welcomed.
Class size is limited; preference is given to families who expect to be able to attend all three classes.
What Past Participants Said
"I was seeking time to give attention to each of us – mother and daughter – especially for my daughter at this change moment. I wanted to celebrate both where we’ve come from and what our vision is moving forward – to celebrate my daughter becoming a Jewish adult woman."
"I was looking for a space, in time and emotionally, to focus with my daughter on becoming a bat mitzvah. That space was beautifully created and nurtured here at Mayyim Hayyim. We also learned more than I had expected about the ritual of the mikveh and ritual in general."
"Creating the ritual and doing the ritual made more concrete the intention that we came in with to mark this moment in time. Because the facilitators created such a safe, respectful place, the discussions with the other mothers were open, honest, and fulfilling."
"I had fun spending time with my mom and thinking about things that were meaningful to us."
"Me and my mom talked about a lot of things I needed to talk to her about, but never found the time."