Introduction & Overview
The name "Pnei Mitzvah" uses the gender-neutral "pnei" (faces of) instead of "b'nei" (sons of)
Starting with our first secular bar mitzvah at the Peretz School in 1965, Pnei Mitzvah has evolved into one of our core educational programs. We offer a pluralistic, non-dogmatic approach to Jewish education for children aged 10-13 that emphasizes the humanist, progressive, and universalist aspects of our heritage. Over two years of bi-weekly sessions, Pnei Mitzvah cohorts focus on literature, language, ethics, music, art, and dance to connect with and reinterpret traditions in new ways. Although children learn about Jewish spirituality and religious history, Peretz does not seek to promote particular religious commitments or doctrines.
Peretz is an LGBTQ+ safe environment, and while we are rooted in the Ashkenazi humanist, yiddishist culture that gave birth to Peretz, Jews of all backgrounds are welcome, and the diversity of global Judaism is explored in our Pnei Mitzvah curriculum.​
There are lots of reasons our Pnei Mitzvah program may be the one you're looking for...
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You are looking for an inclusive, non-dogmatic approach to Jewish culture.
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You are looking for a intellectually rich education that doesn’t just focus on Hebrew, Holidays and Bible stories, but teaches Jewish history, ethics, literature, culture, music, and art as well.
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Your family practices more than one faith or is not religious.
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You are interested in the principle which Peretz’ founders embraced: “do’ikeit” or “hereness”, the idea that a Jewish life is lived here in the country where one lives, and one’s principal responsibility is to bring Jewish values and wisdom to life here in Canada as part of the rich tapestry of Canadian culture.
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You are looking for your child to learn in an environment which is truly open-minded and welcomes all points of view.
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Your child is not interested in Synagogue life.
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Torah, prayer and Israel are not the primary way your child connects to Judaism, or your child has no connection to Judaism and you want them to find their own way into Jewish tradition and history, not have that way chosen for them.
Curriculum & Pedagogy
Pnei Mitzvah students meet every other Sunday for a two hour class with their teacher.
The Pnei Mitzvah graduation ceremony is planned and organized cooperatively by the parents. In the past years this has been a wonderful opportunity for community building, new friendships, and celebration of the always incredible growth that the students have undergone.
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Parents are encouraged to be part of your child’s education at Peretz. The year is also dotted with holiday celebrations which everyone can attend: our Rosh Hashana celebration, Passover Community Seders, our Purimshpiel, Tikkun Olam activities, picnics, Fraytik Tsu Nakht Shabbat dinners, and more.
Upcoming Cohorts
Started Oct 20
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No options available? Sign up for the waiting list
If you want to be notified when registration opens for the next Pnei Mitzvah cohort, sign up for the waiting list.
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Please note that new cohorts start annually in September or October.