For the second year, Congregation Beth Torah is offering a b’nai mitzvah program for its adult members who have never celebrated the rite of passage. The class is also open to those who wish to repeat the b’nai mitzvah experience they marked decades ago, as well as anyone who is not yet ready to commit to leading a worship service, but wishes to learn more about the Reform Shabbat morning liturgy as it is presented in the Reform siddur, Mishkan T’filah.
“The process left me with a greater understanding of not only how services move, but why,” said past participant Andy Asher. “In an engaging and challenging manner, we dove into the reasoning for the different parts of the service.”
The class will meet twice a month from September to June and commitments to lead services will be sought in December. At that time, those who choose to do so will be paired with a fellow participant and private Hebrew tutoring will be provided. The interactive class will be limited to eight students, enabling participants to share personal beliefs, questions and doubts.
The experience of last year’s students has been especially gratifying to the program’s facilitator, Jill Maidhof.
“Their services were celebrated by everyone at CBT, and students continue to come to Shabbat morning services, volunteering to chant blessings from the bima, greet worshippers and even operate our streaming services,” Maidhof said.
Pictured are members of Congregation Beth Torah’s 2026 adult b’nai mitzvah class: (left to right) Damien Timms, Debbie Bass, Nicholas LaVine, Amy Shaw, Andy Asher, Betsy Wanger, Barbara Guiterrez and Lisa Ash.
Past participant Betsy Wanger said, “I watched services “from the outside” for years and was convinced that I’d never master enough Hebrew to chant from the Torah. With private tutoring and encouragement from the group, I sailed through and now I really feel like part of the community.”
Fellow student Deb Bass also hesitated for years.
“Many years ago, my dear friend Amy Shaw and I agreed to lead a service together. She finally put my feet to the fire and said, ‘We’re doing it.’” Bass said. “Completing the process was a joyous and significant part of my Jewish and spiritual accomplishment, one I highly recommend.”
For more information, contact or call Congregation Beth Torah at 913.498.2212 to register.