Pnei Mitzvah 2025-27 Cohort (Year 1)
2-year program for students (10-13) on Jewish culture and history from a pluralist, progressive lens
Program Description
The Peretz Centre offers a pluralistic approach to Jewish cultural education that emphasizes the humanist, progressive, and universalist aspects of our heritage. We focus on literature, language, ethics, music, art, and dance. Although children learn about Jewish spirituality and religious history, Peretz does not seek to promote particular religious commitments or doctrines. Learn more about the program format and curriculum here: https://www.peretz-centre.org/pnei-mitzvah/ ✱𝗘𝗟𝗜𝗚𝗜𝗕𝗜𝗟𝗜𝗧𝗬✱ Our Pnei Mitzvah program is open to participants of all backgrounds, identities, and abilities, who feel a connection to Jewish cultures and histories. The 2-year program is intended for youth who will be 12-13 at the end of the second year (spring/summer 2027). Early/late participation may be permitted with instructor approval, depending on maturity level and other factors (contact us with questions). ✱𝟮𝟱━𝟮𝟲 𝗦𝗖𝗛𝗘𝗗𝗨𝗟𝗘 🙴 𝗟𝗢𝗖𝗔𝗧𝗜𝗢𝗡✱ Classes take place twice a month on (alternating) Sundays, from Oct. 19 through June (schedule below). Class times are 2 hrs including 15-minute snack break (12:30-2:30pm). Students are expected to attend class in-person at the Peretz Centre (6184 Ash Street), unless otherwise arranged by program staff. ✱𝗧𝗨𝗜𝗧𝗜𝗢𝗡✱ Standard tuition is $1,200 per year or $1,700/year for 2 siblings. Payment plans are available to address financial access barriers; pay a deposit with the “request payment plan” option during registration and we will contact you to finalize details. Year 1 tuition includes: ➜ Biweekly classes (October-June) with Matthew Gindin ➜ Program materials and supplies ➜ Reduced ticket prices for Peretz holidays and events ➜ Access to Peretz building for additional cohort activities (movie nights, etc.) In order to subsidize the costs of the Pnei Mitzvah celebration for families, Year 2 tuition will also include venue rental (Ben Chud Auditorium), access to Peretz equipment/supplies, admin event support, and printing for ceremony booklets. ✱𝗜𝗡𝗦𝗧𝗥𝗨𝗖𝗧𝗢𝗥 𝗕𝗜𝗢✱ Matthew Gindin has been teaching Jewish history, philosophy, and contemplative traditions in a wide variety of settings since 2004. Formerly Peretz Education Director and Master Teacher at Or Shalom, we welcomed Matthew back to the Peretz Centre in 2024. He also works as a freelance writer and editor, professional lecturer, and independent journalist. (matthewgindin.com)
11 spots left
Program Schedule
Registration Policies
𝟮-𝗬𝗘𝗔𝗥 𝗣𝗥𝗢𝗚𝗥𝗔𝗠: The Peretz Centre's Pnei Mitzvah is a two-year program, with fees due at the start of each year. Registration is first come/first serve. Annual fees must be paid at time of registration or by arrangement with Peretz staff. Students are expected to participate in both years. 𝗟𝗔𝗧𝗘 𝗥𝗘𝗚𝗜𝗦𝗧𝗥𝗔𝗧𝗜𝗢𝗡: Late registration may be available depending on enrollment and subject to program staff approval. If no spots are available, please contact the Peretz office to join the waitlist or learn about future cohorts. 𝗦𝗖𝗛𝗘𝗗𝗨𝗟𝗘 𝗖𝗛𝗔𝗡𝗚𝗘𝗦: Class schedule is subject to change. Any changes will be communicated via email at the earliest opportunity. 𝗠𝗜𝗡𝗜𝗠𝗨𝗠 𝗘𝗡𝗥𝗢𝗟𝗟𝗠𝗘𝗡𝗧: If the minimum threshold of 8 registered students is not met, the program may be modified to mitigate excess costs. 𝗪𝗜𝗧𝗛𝗗𝗥𝗔𝗪𝗟𝗦 🙴 𝗥𝗘𝗙𝗨𝗡𝗗𝗦: Withdrawal requests must be submitted in writing to the Peretz office at admin@peretz-centre.org. Withdrawal requests received prior to the 3rd class will be eligible for a prorated refund, less a $50 administrative fee. Late withdrawals are not eligible for tuition refunds.
Contact Details
The Peretz Centre for Secular Jewish Culture
Peretz Centre for Secular Jewish Culture, Ash Street, Vancouver, BC, Canada
(604) 325-1812
info@peretz-centre.org