A Note to the Parents
What is unique about this program?
Figuring out the transition to adulthood in this day and age is as confusing as it ever was. On one side are tradition and religion; on another side are family, friends and community and, sometimes caught in the middle, are our kids who are trying to deal with adolescent changes, the expectations of others and their own dreams...well, you probably remember.
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Rabbi A. B. A'amar's Bar and Bat Mitzvah programs were conceived in light of the challenges parents and kids face today in reconciling the Jewish traditions of centuries with the realities of modern society, to create a well-rounded program that enriches and empowers ex-children who are coming-of-age. We realized that in many Bnei Mitzvah programs, the Rabbis have a clear role - providing spiritual and religious guidance, culminating in a stirring ceremony before God and the congregation, where the children are publicly welcomed into young adulthood. But where do the parents fit in? Beyond religion and tradition, there is so much that our kids will experience and so many areas where they could still use a mentor, a willing ear, an open heart.
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The program creates fertile ground for strengthening such communication by providing a framework in which parents and Bnei Mitzvah are 'forced' to work together. We established the role of parent-mentor, someone who can provide additional perspective and a counterpart for discussion. In a number of instances throughout the chapters and the activities, the parent-mentor is called upon to participate. While such participation is, as the program itself, completely voluntary, we encourage you to make the time to work on this together. Once an activity has been completed, please make sure your child submits it for review. A review of the activity, along with any comments or suggestions, will be sent to both the participant and the parent; you are welcome to use this as an opportunity for further discussion.
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The journey to adulthood is winding, adventurous, exciting, emotional. We fervently hope that you will come to consider the program not as something to simply be completed, a destination, but as a glorious, enduring sendoff.
