The Bnei Mitzvah Course
Feygeles by Shterna Goldbloom aims to make visible that which has historically been hidden. Handmade contemporary Torah scrolls reveal photographs and interviews with LGBTQIA Jews who have struggled to find ways of integrating their history and family traditions with their sexuality and gender. Feygeles, a Yiddish slur meaning both gay and little bird, expresses both the Queerness of these Jews and their flight.
A Bnei Mitzvah ("children of the commandment") ceremony is the Jewish coming-of-age ritual which traditionally takes place when a child turns twelve or thirteen. Preparation involves studying Jewish history and theology, and learning Biblical Hebrew in order to read from the Torah scroll in front of the community. This moment is an important part of the Jewish life cycle and forms a celebration for family, friends and the whole community, representing the person’s commitment to upholding the commandments and taking their place as an adult in the eyes of Judaism.
The Queer Yeshiva Bnei Mitzvah Course is a course for Jewish adults who did not have a bnei mitzvah, didn’t like theirs when they did, or had it in a different name or gender. It is a chance to explore Judaism with no preconditions about beliefs, background or practice.
What does the course cover?
We discuss Jewish festivals, rituals, texts and history in a curriculum that is tailored to each cohort of students. For example, previous year’s cohort chose to learn about
“Life after death in the Jewish tradition,” “Jewish-Muslim relations” and “Jewish Myth and Magic” amongst other topics. We will also learn to read from and wrestle with the Torah, starting from Biblical Hebrew basics suitable for a total beginner.
We explore a revolutionary Judaism, discussing what Judaism means for Jews of all identities and kol bnei adam (“all the children of humanity”) and what it means to different communities, and to each of us to become Bnei Mitzvah and embracethe responsibilities of a Jewish adult.
At the end of the course is the Bnei Mitzvah ceremony, where the students read from the Torah as part of a Saturday morning Shabbat service, give a d’var torah (“a word of Torah” which is generally a comment on the section of Torah that has been read), take on a Hebrew name, and are celebrated as Jewish adults.
Is this course for me?
If you feel attracted to this description, then the answer is overwhelmingly likely to be yes!
This course is open to anyone Jewish, regardless of family background, level of knowledge, gender or sexual orientation.
As this course involves preparing for taking on the responsibilities of a Jewish adult, it is a course for people who are already Jewish and isn't a conversion course, so is not for those who are still on their journey of conversion but have not yet completed it.
We know the matter of identifying yourself and being identified as Jewish can be a sticky one, and certainly has not been a straightforward journey for many of us! If you're unsure at all about whether this is for you, fill in the application form and we can schedule a phone call to chat it through. Or drop us an email at info@yeshiva.lgbt
Logistics:
The course runs from October to March on zoom, day of the week TBC (but will not be during Shabbat), 6pm-8.30pm. This consists of 18 two-hour-long learning sessions with a 30 minute break. One hour will generally be Hebrew learning and the other on a range of topics. The date for the in-person Bnei Mitzvah ceremony in London will be agreed upon by participants during the first class.
This course will be led by a variety of Queer Yeshiva teachers, each of whom bring their unique expertise and knowledge.
Tuition:
Standard: £500
Supported: £350
Scholarship: £250
Bursary: £50
We can’t wait to meet you!
“The QY B’nei Mitzvah course was one of the most meaningful experiences of my adult life thus far; to learn and share torah with peers from a diversity of minhagim [customs], locations, and levels of knowledge, and to construct our own curriculum, and to then conclude our 6-month period of study in a queer-led ritual in a synagogue is a powerful reclamation of our authenticity, validity, presence, and unique torah. In this space we weren’t simply included, we were centered, which is a unique experience for Jews on the margins. The teachers, roshim, and student peers make up a warm, welcoming, and non-judgemental environment where all Jews can feel confident to be affirmed as b’nei mitzvah, regardless if you were raised with study and high levels of observance or whether you’re an absolute beginner. I can’t recommend the experience enough.”
“As a late in life Jew, I never had a B’nei Mitzvah. While I had enjoyed my conversion course at my synagogue, I wanted to go deeper into the potential of radical, queer Judaism. My B’nei Mitzvah with Queer Yeshiva was one of the most meaningful things I’ve done in my life. Not only did it help me find what I hope will be lifelong friends, it’s helped me overcome the sense of imposter syndrome that I have as a convert and step into my Jewish identity more confidently.”
“I really enjoyed the program and the diversity of opinion and experience in our community.”
