Youth Education

Teenvah and Confirmation Teen Programs

Post-B'nai Mitzvah for teens, ages 12 and up

Am Tikvah currently offers Post-B'nai Mitzvah program called "Teenvah." The Teenvah concept is to build connections for post Bnai Mitzvah teens (7th, 8th, and 9th grade) through food, games, and talking about relevant hot topics with Rabbi Chayva. The program is held on a weekday evening for an hour and a half; 30 minutes to eat, 30 minutes to talk, then 30 minutes have dessert, play games, and hang out. In the coming years, Am Tikvah will offer a Confirmation program for high school ages that includes learning, social gatherings, and social activism in the larger Jewish Bay Area communities.

B'nai Mitzvah Preparation and Cohorts

Beginning in Middle School, ages 11 and up

Becoming a Bar (male), Bat (female), or B' (non-gendered) Mitzvah, translated from Hebrew as a descendant of tradition, is one of the most momentous milestones in a young person’s Jewish life. It requires learning, discipline, and preparation, but the rewards extend far beyond the service itself. Our goal is for each student of our B’nai (plural) Mitzvah program to emerge from this experience with confidence in their Jewish identity and a personal, lasting connection to Jewish tradition. As a small and creative synagogue, we strive to make the B’nai Mitzvah experience personal and meaningful. Our 2-year B'nai Mitzvah program will teach your child to lead portions of the Saturday morning services, read from the Torah and Haftarah, and present their own interpretation of the Torah portion in a personal and reflective drash, or speech. Contact Talya in the Am Tikvah office, or click here to learn more about B'nai Mitzvah process and programs. 

Am Tikvah School

Religious School for children, ages 5 - 13

The Am Tikvah Religious School offers joyful, engaging Jewish education for children in transitional kindergarten (TK) through 8th grade. Students are grouped into four grade-based cohorts, each led by a dedicated educator and supported by a teen teaching assistant. Classes take place on Sunday mornings at the synagogue, where students build Jewish knowledge, values, community, and identity through hands-on learning, music, stories, art, and celebration. To learn more or register, please visit our Religious School page or contact us by email or phone. We’d love to welcome your family.

"Mishpacha" Family Bridge Program

Families with children, ages 3 - 5

Inspired by Dafna Noile’s pioneering model, Mishpacha Shabbat is a joyful, engaging Shabbat program designed specifically for families with young children. Each session offers parallel experiences for parents and kids—building connection within families and across the Am Tikvah community. The children are led in age-appropriate Jewish themed crafts and activities by beloved early childhood educator, Mimi Greisman, with teenage helpers. Parents and family gather separately and nearby for meaningful connection and discussions. We gather on Saturday mornings for the hour-long program. Check the calendar for dates. To learn more or register, please visit our Mishpacha page or contact the Am Tikvah office for more information or to register.

Tots Together "Chammudim" Cuties with Mimi Greisman

Families with babies and children, ages 0 - 5

Join us twice a month on Saturday mornings at 10:00 AM for this Tot Shabbat program; a joyful gathering designed especially for our youngest community members and their families. Led by beloved early childhood educator Mimi Greisman, this interactive program includes Jewish-themed songs, stories, puppets, bubbles, parachutes, and live guitar music. We provide tea and coffee for parents and juice and snacks for kids. Feel free to stay afterward to schmooze and connect with other families. Check the calendar for upcoming dates. This program is free of charge, no registration required, please drop in! Donations are always appreciated. All are welcome—come sing, play, and celebrate Shabbat together!