The Adult Bar/Bat Mitzvah Class
Meeting ID: 409 394 9318 | Passcode: 5787 | Zoom
Whether you had a Bar or Bat Mitzvah decades ago, never had the opportunity, or simply want to deepen your connection to Jewish practice, this class welcomes you.
Over the course of the program, participants will learn Torah and Haftarah trope, the traditional system of cantillation used to chant Scripture; gain a clear understanding of the structure of synagogue services; and explore the prayers that anchor Jewish worship. Alongside these practical skills, the class will delve into Jewish spirituality and include Torah study sessions led by guest teachers from Har Zion’s clergy and staff. These sessions will offer participants a richer and more personal understanding of the texts and traditions they are learning to lead.
The program will culminate in a joyful graduation as participants lead portions of Shavuot morning services on Friday, June 11, 2027. Family and friends will be warmly invited to join the Har Zion community in celebrating this meaningful milestone.
This will be a 9-month, weekly class beginning in the fall. Students will have additional private lessons with the cantor. Homework will be assigned.
Prerequisite: Basic Hebrew reading ability (able to sound out any Hebrew word)
Class Schedule
Register for the next class or the whole series
Cantor Randy Herman helps adults prepare for and celebrate a bar or bat mitzvah, whether learning Hebrew and prayer for the first time or returning after years away. Descended from vaudevillian grandparents and Eastern European Orthodox Jewish immigrants, he grew up in Grand Rapids, MI, studied at the University of Michigan, and worked as an actor before becoming a pianist, singer, and songwriter. His performance background shapes his teaching, building confidence and helping students find their voice.