Kabbalat Mitzvah was a special milestone for our Year 7 students as they began to take their first steps into Jewish adulthood. Kabbalat means “acceptance,” and this ceremony focused on embracing mitzvot, Jewish commandments, as a meaningful part of life for both students and their families. The evening centred on the theme of “Impressing the Mitzvot upon Children,” drawn from the Sh’ma and V’ahavta prayers, highlighting the importance of Jewish learning across generations. We were privileged to hear from Rabbi Allison Conyer, Senior Rabbi of Temple Beth Israel, who spoke about the meaning of becoming B’nei Mitzvah, as well as from three generations of our community, Year 7 student Layla Osowicki, Parent Daniel Aghion, and Grandparent Margaret Taft, each reflecting on the vital role of Jewish education in shaping a strong and committed Jewish future. 

Students then had the opportunity to teach their families about the mitzvot of T’fillin, Tzitzit, Mezuzah, and the recitation of the Sh’ma morning and night. The program concluded with Ilan Bloch leading the families in prayers for their children and the presentation of gifts to the students. As is our tradition, the evening ended with Josh New, Coordinator of Jewish Experiential Education, guiding the community in the recitation of the Sh’ma and V’ahavta, followed by a sweet treat to take home. A special thank you to our Year 7 Jewish Studies teachers, Noa Bleichman Rose and Geoff Garber from preparing the Year 7 cohort for this special event.

Feygi Phillips, Learning Area Leader Hebrew & Jewish Studies MC