The Anshei Mitzvah program began in 1987 and offers an opportunity for adults who never had the experience of Bar or Bat Mitzvah to finally do so.

There are two components to the class: Hebrew and Judaica. The Judaica instruction, taught by Cantor Barak and our rabbinic faculty, includes an overview of Torah, Talmud and Midrash; the prayerbook; Shabbat and Jewish holidays; the different movements of Judaism and discussions such as being Jewish in a non-Jewish world.

The Hebrew component, taught by Cantor Roslyn Barak, begins by the class learning the rudiments of Hebrew (reading and writing), and progresses to Shabbat liturgy, blessings over the Torah and Haftarah, and learning to chant Torah and Haftarah for the given date of the ceremony. The service is led by the members of the class that Shabbat morning, and it is particularly moving as they recite the liturgy, chant from the Torah scroll, present Divrei Torah, and share their feelings of pride and accomplishment.

Over 100 adults have participated in this program through the years, and it is one of the most successful of Emanu-El's adult education offerings.

Click to see current Anshei Mitzvah program