BJE Natif Program
A BJE Jewish Journey Coming-of-Age Program, that is ‘an alternate to’ or ‘in addition to’ traditional shul-based Bat or Bar Mitzvah
BJE’s Natif Program, is a meaningful, contextualised ‘rite of passage’ program, based on Jewish values of Tikkun Olam, kindness and integrity. The program offers young Jewish girls and boys, the opportunity to join other likeminded Jewish children in a creative alternative program of learning and integrating Jewish principles and practices into their daily lives. Regardless of their backgrounds or knowledge, BJE’s Natif Program is inclusive and respectful of all Jewish practices and beliefs.
The program can ‘standalone’ or be an addition to more traditional religious Bat/Bar Mitzvah ceremonies.
*If required, BJE will connect you to a Bar Mitzvah teacher and/or a shul.
Please note: Registrations for 2024 now open, with programs to commence in Term 1 and Term 3, every second Sunday starting from 25 Feb 3.30 – 5PM
BJE’s Natif Program, is a meaningful, contextualised ‘rite of passage’ program, based on Jewish values of Tikkun Olam, kindness and integrity. The program offers young Jewish girls and boys, the opportunity to join other likeminded Jewish children in a creative alternative program of learning and integrating Jewish principles and practices into their daily lives. Regardless of their backgrounds or knowledge, BJE’s Natif Program is inclusive and respectful of all Jewish practices and beliefs.
The program can ‘standalone’ or be an addition to more traditional religious Bat/Bar Mitzvah ceremonies.
*If required, BJE will connect you to a Bar Mitzvah teacher and/or a shul.
Please note: Registrations for 2023 now open, with the sessions to commence in Term 1 or Term 3.
What can BJE's Natif Program offer you and your child?
1. The long-term nature of the group provides the time to develop confidence, self-esteem, and the capacity to engage in meaningful relationships with peers, family, community, and nature throughout their formative years.
2. By encouraging and perpetuating Jewish values through kindness, honesty, integrity, and the concept of tikkun olam, the program empowers participants to enter ‘adulthood’ as community minded, engaged young people.
3. By embracing K’lal Yisrael (“All of Israel”) in welcoming students from every background of Jewish life and celebrating the diversity of our unique community, we teach the importance of respect and inclusivity.
4. By enhancing every student’s connection to their Jewish heritage and identity we instil a love for Jewish traditions and culture and strengthen their connection to Israel.
What do we mean by a
"Rite of Passage"?
The phrase has come to describe the patterns of behaviour and experiences in which various cultures engage during times of seminal life transitions. These are usually community directed experiences that transmit cultural values and knowledge to individuals, that guides their transition to a new status. The rite of passage process reaffirms community values, which inform and guide expectations of behaviour and social engagement.
The word ‘Natif’ comes from the Hebrew word “Nativ”, meaning pathway. The BJE Natif Program is a transformative pathway for Jewish children, which assists in facilitating a healthy transition from childhood, through adolescence, into adulthood. A Bar/Bat Mitzvah program is a seminal rite of passage for Jewish children, that creates intentional, inclusive community dialogue to reinforce the values and expectations that young people can carry forward to ensure the future success of the community.
What can BJE's Natif Program offer you and your child?
1. The long-term nature of the group provides the time to develop confidence, self-esteem, and the capacity to engage in meaningful relationships with peers, family, community, and nature throughout their formative years.
2. By encouraging and perpetuating Jewish values through kindness, honesty, integrity, and the concept of tikkun olam, the program empowers participants to enter ‘adulthood’ as community minded, engaged young people.
3. By embracing K’lal Yisrael (“All of Israel”) in welcoming students from every background of Jewish life and celebrating the diversity of our unique community, we teach the importance of respect and inclusivity.
4. By enhancing every student’s connection to their Jewish heritage and identity we instil a love for Jewish traditions and culture and strengthen their connection to Israel.
What do we mean by a "Rite of Passage"?
The phrase has come to describe the patterns of behaviour and experiences in which various cultures engage during times of seminal life transitions. These are usually community directed experiences that transmit cultural values and knowledge to individuals, that guides their transition to a new status. The rite of passage process reaffirms community values, which inform and guide expectations of behaviour and social engagement.
The word ‘Natif’ comes from the Hebrew word “Nativ”, meaning pathway. The BJE Natif Program is a transformative pathway for Jewish children, which assists in facilitating a healthy transition from childhood, through adolescence, into adulthood. A Bar/Bat Mitzvah program is a seminal rite of passage for Jewish children, that creates intentional, inclusive community dialogue to reinforce the values and expectations that young people can carry forward to ensure the future success of the community.
Important Information
The BJE Natif Programs are a combination of educational seminars and experiential opportunities.
Programs are mostly co-educational.
The program runs for 8 weeks, twice per year, every second Sunday starting from 25 Feb 3.30 – 5PM, culminating in a graduation ceremony at the end of each program.
The Natif Program cost: $400 including all sessions, materials, experiential activities and the final Graduation Ceremony.
*Please note: This cost does not include any additional private Bar Mitzvah lessons.
Important Information
The BJE Natif Programs are a combination of educational seminars and experiential opportunities.
Programs are mostly co-educational.
The program runs for 8 weeks, twice per year, every second Sunday starting from 25 Feb 3.30 – 5PM, culminating in a graduation ceremony at the end of each program.
The Natif Program cost: $400 including all sessions, materials, experiential activities and the final Graduation Ceremony.
*Please note: This cost does not include any additional private Bar Mitzvah lessons.
