Community Life

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BEN BAT TORAH PROGRAM

A self-paced study program for adults, the Ben/Bat Torah program combines study, service and good deeds which can lead to an adult Bar/Bat Mitzvah ceremony or group B’nai Mitzvah. The program is open to all adult members of Adat Shalom from those with no Hebrew or Jewish background to those with a very rich background because it starts where the adult is presently and encourages the person to grow.

Although it is largely a program of independent study, classes and activities are offered by the Adult Education program to help participants fulfill some of the requirements. The requirements are three of four available activities to complete from the following three categories.

1. Torah/Study:
   Completion of 3 Jewish studies courses of at least 4 hours each at any Jewish or secular institution.
   Participation in 10 sessions of an Adat Shalom study or book group.
   Completion of five books from the reading list.
   Completion of a Hebrew course of at least 10 sessions.
2. Avodah/Synagogue Service
   Torah aliyah at service.
   Chanting of Torah or Haftorah at services.
   Preparation and delivery of D’var Hinuk at services.
   Lead Torah discussion at second Shabbat.
3. Gemilut Hasidim/Acts of Lovingkindness/Acts of Community
   Regular service on at least one Adat Shalom committee.
   Assist in on-going running of Adat Shalom such as regular ushering, clerical tasks or set-up for
   services or chairing major events like High Holidays, Shabbaton or Retreat.
   Tikkum Olam/social action project.
   Complete Gemilut Hesed Project (e.g. regular visits to hospitalized Adat Shalom members).