Adult Education

Adult Bar/Bat Mitzvah Program

Have you ever thought to yourself, “I never had the opportunity to have a Bar/Bat Mitzvah," or "I would like to redo my Bar/Bat Mitzvah.” Well, here is your chance. Congregation Kol Halev offers an Adult Bar/Bat Mitzvah program. You study as a group and can have your Bar/Bat Mitzvah as a group with other adults, by yourself, or with a buddy. You can do all the courses sequentially and have your Bar/Bat mitzvah in 18 months or within your own time line. It’s up to you. It’s fun, you learn tons and it’s very rewarding. So join us!

These classes are open to ALL but are required of adults preparing for their bar/bat mitzvah at CKH. Tuition varies depending on whether one is preparing for a bar/bat mitzvah and whether one is a CKH member. Classes are held at the JCC.

If you are interested please contact Rabbi Kerry Baker, by email at or by phone at (512) 947-6000.

Basic Judaism Classes: Judaica

These classes are a requirement of the Bar/Bat Mitzvah Program.

Block 2j: Worship B Rabbi Kerry Baker

We will focus on the special prayers, readings and rituals that characterize worship associated with the Jewish holidays (Rosh Hashanah, Yom Kippur, Sukkot, Chanukah, Purim and Passover) and distinguish it from daily worship and the Sabbath.

Block 3j: Ancient Texts Rabbi Kerry Baker

We’ll examine the Torah as an historical, philosophical and literary text in its own right, and how it fits into on-going tradition of textual interpretation as the foundation of the Jewish worldview.

Block 4j: Modern History B Rabbi Kerry Baker

We will concentrate on the two signal watersheds which have defined the experience of the contemporary Jew: the Holocaust and the founding of the State of Israel. We will consider their historical, cultural, and philosophical roots, and the ways Jewish identity and community today are organized around the many ways we understand them.

Block 5j: Folk Tradition Rabbi Kerry Baker

We‘ll look at life cycle events, home rituals and customs, and even the synagogue service from the standpoint of Jewish folk beliefs and folk literature. Our goal is to see the Jewish religion not as prescribed by rabbis but as practiced by the people.

Basic Judaism Classes: Hebrew

There is a materials fee for these classes. These classes are a requirement of the Bar/Bat Mitzvah Program.

Block 1h: Hebrew A Dr. Lorenzo Sadun

Students will learn the alefbet (the Hebrew alphabet), master basic Hebrew reading (decoding) skills, and learn some basic vocabulary, particularly words that appear frequently in prayers.

Block 2h: Hebrew B Dr. Lorenzo Sadun

Building upon Hebrew A, this class will focus on the basics of Hebrew grammar, syntax and vocabulary that will enable students to connect to the meaning and beauty of the Hebrew they encounter at services. (Note * indicates dates that may change depending upon the students’ schedules.)

Block 3h: Trope Cantor Robbi Sherwin

Students who have a basic Hebrew reading facility (decoding) will learn the Torah and Haftarah cantillation (chanting) systems.