Join us for a transformative journey of growth and discovery for the whole family.

Raising the Bar is Lab/Shul’s re-imagined, innovative and highly-personalized B Mitzvah* program led by Rabbi Amichai Lau-Lavie, Naomi Less,  and our community of highly-trained and carefully-selected educator-artists. Blending ritual, Storahtelling, age-old wisdom, individual expression, and hands-on experience, we will work together to reshape this important rite of passage. (*The term “B Mitzvah” is a gender-neutral, inclusive and everybody-friendly reflection of today’s diverse and dynamic population.)

Download our latest Raising the Bar flyer here >

BECOMING

Raising the Bar empowers teens to:

Explore Jewish identity and literacy

Cultivate personal creativity and growth

Make meaning from our collective heritage

Commit to communal responsibility

Raising the Bar includes:

Personal Training

45 one-on-one learning sessions with a trained educator-artist, carefully selected to match each participant’s personal learning style and sense of inquiry and creativity.

Family Learning

Quarterly Parents’ Salons and Family Programs encourage in-depth exploration and deepened communal connections for family members of all ages.

Justice Club

Social Action and group learning programs promote communal and civic consciousness and responsibility.

Re-imagined Ritual

Your private B Mitzvah ceremony will be tailored to your family’s customs and sensibilities.

Paying it Forward

Post-B Mitzvah, Raising the Bar graduates continue to participate in carefully curated actions, activities and social gatherings.

Personal Training

45 one-on-one learning sessions with a trained educator-artist, carefully selected to match each participant’s personal learning style and sense of inquiry and creativity.

Family Learning

Monthly Parents’ Salons and Family Programs encourage in-depth exploration and deepened communal connections for family members of all ages.

Justice Club

Social Action and group learning programs promote communal and civic consciousness and responsibility.

Re-imagined Ritual

Your private or Lab/Shul Community B Mitzvah ceremony will be tailored to your family’s customs and sensibilities.

Paying it Forward

Post-B Mitzvah, Raising the Bar graduates continue to participate in carefully curated actions, activities and social gatherings.

“How refreshing to actually understand Torah and to not be bored to tears during the service! The whole thing felt so real, tender, creative, deep, and moving.” – B Mitzvah Guest

“Raising the Bar provided a wonderful framework upon which Ari could build a B Mitzvah service that both embraced tradition and reflected who she is and what is important to her.” – Raising the Bar parent

“Not only was the day so much more meaningful than I ever anticipated, but the process leading up to it was incredibly enriching for our entire family.” – Raising the Bar parent

“You do an amazing job at bridging Judaism’s long amazing history and values while making it meaningful and relevant and real.”
– B Mitzvah guest

“The whole process was enlightening and challenging in equal measure. Our trainer was a truly inspired teacher – patient, creative, and open-minded.” – Raising the Bar parent

“The program touched on everything from social justice to theology to spirituality to individual dignity without a heavy hand. Not easy to do these days.” – Raising the Bar parent

“Something so moving and magical happened in that room. Hearts were opened, minds were blown, souls were nurtured – and we are eternally grateful.” – Raising The Bar grandparent

“Several traditional Hebrew School survivors told us that it was the most beautiful B Mitzvah they had attended.”
– Raising the Bar parent

“I observed more than a few religious skeptics at the gathering weeping while you spoke of our desire for human connection.”
– Raising the Bar guest

Let’s Talk! We’re here to make your journey meaningful and as stress-free as possible, spiritually, emotionally or financially. Contact Stephanie Kane, Raising the Bar Coordinator. 

What’s Unique About Raising the Bar?

Child-centered teaching

that ignites curiosity, develops skills and provides the building blocks for life-long connection to Jewish heritage and universal values – infused with joy, positivity, and personal meaning.

Artist-driven curriculum

utilizing Lab/Shul’s signature pedagogy, the Storahtelling Maven Method™.

God-Optional ritual

that opens conversation, invites questions and respects each child’s personal journey.

Everybody-friendly approach

that is inclusive of all faiths, beliefs, ethnicities and sexual and gender identities, so that all feel welcome.

Full family engagement

celebrating the coming of age and transformation of the child as a milestone for the entire family.

Digital education techniques

that use next-gen technology to fortify student skills, promote innovation, and deepen connections.

“No strings attached” policy

providing B Mitzvah families access to the Lab/Shul community for regular worship events and communal rituals…no membership required.

Raising the Bar Curriculum

The Raising the Bar curriculum is focused around four key pillars:

  • What’s Your Story

    Including familial and Bible/Torah story using the StorahtellingTM methodology, derived from the oldest storytelling tool in the Jewish tool-box, talking back to our sacred texts and translating Torah into meaningful contemporary conversations.

  • It’s About Time

    The Jewish calendar, ritual relevance, prayer and relevant study of Jewish time.

  • Top Ten

    Jewish principles and values including progressive social justice learning.

  • Pay It Forward

    Living our Values, Changing the World, mentoring on an action-oriented project.