B*Mitzvah Program: A Bar, Bat & B’nai Mitzvah Journey
The Tawonga B*Mitzvah Program is a modern approach to an ancient tradition: immersive monthly camp-style classes, hands-on family learning, weekend shabbatons, creative simchas and critical thinking about the history and future of Jewish ritual.
Join our Bay Area 2025-2026 Cohorts
Registration for our fall 2025 cohorts in the East Bay and San Francisco of rising 6th graders is now open!
B*Mitzvah Program Overview
Tawonga’s B*Mitzvah Program launched in the Bay Area in 2016 as a two-year innovative approach to the B*Mitzvah experience, providing youth the opportunity to come of age in a Tawonga-style program. By incorporating nature, community building, social justice, and experiential Jewish learning into our program, we ensure this important milestone is individualized and accessible for every child.
Camp Tawonga has served as a leader in Jewish camping for a near century with a proven track record in facilitating character development and positive self-growth in children and teens, and we are thrilled to apply this holistic approach to B*Mitzvah study for our community.
In 2025, we launched our 9th cohort and continue to serve more than 130 students annually. 70% of our B*Mitzvah families are not affiliated with a synagogue, and 40% identify as interfaith. We are excited to see our reach extending beyond an affiliation with summer camp and our programming paving multiple paths to joyous Judaism.
See the following links for more information:
Students Will:
- Engage in individualized and meaningful B*Mitzvah study
- Be prepared for a traditional Bar, Bat or B’nai Mitzvah, or a rite of passage of their and their family’s choosing
- Develop and connect to their Jewish identity
- Feel a part of the Tawonga family, and part of a Jewish community
- Explore nature and build self-esteem
- Experience thought-provoking discussions about topics relating to teens
- Give back to their communities and feel motivated to explore opportunities for service
- Be inspired to continue exploring Jewish values in their daily lives
To be doing such a large piece of my life with Tawonga is like a dream come true.
Who Does This Program Serve?
This two-year program begins for students entering 6th grade* and culminates in a unique and personalized B*Mitzvah service. Anyone is welcome to register for the program, and you don’t have to have prior Tawonga experience to join. Families will also have the chance to participate in community events and learning opportunities either in-person or virtually as safety allows.
*This program is geared towards 6th graders, so that by the time participants have completed this two-year program, the majority of them have turned 13. We do occasionally admit students in 5th or 7th grade on a case-by-case basis. Please email Jules Cohen, Bay Area Programs Manager, at jules@tawonga.org if you have any questions about the grade guidelines.
We feel very grateful for Tawonga’s non-traditional approach to the b’nai mitzvah experience for our son, which is giving him an opportunity to develop a Jewish identity and to connect with other Jewish kids.
Tawonga Hebrew Classes
Tawonga Hebrew classes are a great supplement to Tawonga’s B*Mitzvah Program! Classes are designed for 6th and 7th graders who want to learn the Aleph Bet (Hebrew alphabet) and how to read Hebrew words while creating friendships and building community through Tawonga.
Tawonga offers Hebrew 1 in the Fall and Hebrew 2 in the Spring. For children who are signing up for our B*Mitzvah Program in the Fall, you can also sign up for Hebrew 1 if you want your child to learn Hebrew. This is optional and not required for the Tawonga B*Mitzvah program.
Upcoming Hebrew Class Offerings:
Hebrew 1
When: Fall 2025 on Wednesdays at either 4pm or 5:15pm, October through December
Who: Current 6th and 7th graders
Where: Zoom
Cost: $337.50
Hebrew 2
When: Winter 2026 on Wednesdays at either 4pm or 5:15pm, January through March
Who: Current 6th and 7th graders
Where: Zoom
Cost: $337.50
Questions? Please contact Jules Cohen, Bay Area Programs Manager, at jules@tawonga.org.
Frequently Asked Questions
When does registration begin?
Registration for the 2026-27 cohort begins in November 2025:
- Wednesday, November 12 – Priority Registration
Who’s Eligible: 2025 Summer Camp, Teen program, Quest and B*Mitzvah participants & their siblings; 2025 Family Camp 4 participants due to program cancellation; 2025 Jewish Families of Color Weekend registered families. - Wednesday, November 19 – Early Registration
Who’s Eligible: 2025 Weekend Programs and Tawonga Family School participants; 2025 waitlisted participants and cancellations. - Wednesday, December 3 – Open Registration
Who’s Eligible: Everyone! Open to the public — tell your friends and family.
During the registration process you will be prompted to make a $150 non-refundable deposit. Once you submit your registration request, our registrar will send you a confirmation email within two business days letting you know your registration status.
Please contact Anna, our Assistant Director of Bay Area Programs at 415.543.2267 or at anna@tawonga.org if you need any assistance.
Does my child need to know how to read Hebrew to participate?
No! Tawonga’s B*Mitzvah program is designed to fit your child’s unique service and we realize this will look different for each and every family.
During our kitot (classes), all participants will learn the melodies of prayers using Hebrew to English transliteration and spend time understanding these prayers through creative learning processes. We will also provide the Hebrew to English transliteration and English translation of Torah and Haftorah portions. Tawonga also offers optional online Hebrew classes for an additional fee.
How often will the kitot (classes) meet?
Students will participate in seven classes during each year of the program. These classes, held on Sundays, will be led by experienced and trained Tawonga staff, will incorporate interactive activities and will cover a thought-provoking curriculum.
In addition, students and families will join a monthly Kabbalat Shabbat dinner. Two of these will be in person with the cohort, and five of them will be via Zoom from families’ very own dinner table!
What will an average class look like?
Classes will meet seven times each year. These dynamic programs, taught by premier and experienced Tawonga staff, will include engaging discussions about issues that teens find important, creative methods to understand prayers, team-building exercises, music, community guest-speakers, and more! Participants will also have two weekend retreats and family engagement opportunities either in person or virtually.
What are the Shabbaton weekend retreats like?
We’ll gather for two Shabbaton weekend retreats—one to kick off the year and one to close it. These retreats a chance to unplug, connect deeply with friends and counselors, and immerse in the rhythms of Shabbat surrounded by nature. Shabbatons are filled with all of the Tawonga fun: singing songs, roasting marshmallows, talent shows, sports, art, and Jewish learning. Through rituals, music, reflection, and playful activities, these weekends bring the warmth, spirit, and sense of community that make the Tawonga B*Mitzvah program so special—giving our students a true taste of camp, and experiences and memories that last long beyond the program itself.
How much does this program cost?
Cost of $3,950 for the 2026-2027 Year Includes:
- Seven kitot (classes) per year
- All experiential-learning curriculum. Year 1 focuses on Jewish blessings and values. Year 2 focuses on Torah interpretation and inheriting a tradition
- Retreats (two per year)
- Education and song leading from premier staff
- Seven parent learning sessions per year
- Monthly Family Shabbats
- Mitzvah Project (Year 2)
- Prayer coaching in transliteration
- D’rash (sermon) preparation (during Year 2 only)
- Mentorship opportunities
- Simcha coaching and support from Program Manager
- Planning and preparation for the B’nai Mitzvah Service
- Optional use of our Torah, Siddurim, Kippot, and Aron Kodesh (ark for the Torah).
- Student Journal (one for each year)
- “So You’re Having a Simcha” a guide to planning your child’s Bar, Bat or B’nai mitzvah
- Mitzvah Project Planner
- More info on cost here.
Additional Expenses:
- B*Mitzvah service & song leaders ($800-$2000 depending on location and leader)
- B*Mitzvah Hebrew tutoring
- B*Mitzvah service venue
Where will the kitot (classes) meet?
Our two kitot meet in their respective locations: either San Francisco or the East Bay.
In addition to our initial B’nai Mitzvah Kick-Off Orientation, students will participate in two retreats at YMCA Camp Jones Gulch. Students and families will also have the opportunity to gather with a local cohort of families from their kita for monthly Shabbat dinners and Kabbalat Shabbat services, and we are exploring more opportunities for in-person gatherings with families and program participants during the year.
When will this program start?
We will welcome our next cohort of 6th graders in the Fall of 2026. This is a two-year program.
Questions
For additional questions about the program, please contact Anna Akullian, Assistant Director of Bay Area Programs, at anna@tawonga.org.
