Creating adaptive B’nai Mitzvah experiences.
Start with YES opens the door wider for greater participation in Jewish religious and cultural life. The StartwithYES.org website is a collection of adaptive B’nai Mitzvah success stories. In these remarkable stories, you will find proven ideas, helpful resources, and perhaps a pathway to your own joyful ceremony and celebration.
Beyond joy
Max Wagenberg was diagnosed with autism at 18 months. For his parents, Helene Richter and Ben Wagenberg, there was never a question about if their son would have a Bar Mitzvah ceremony. The only question was: How do we make this meaningful for Max? Read more ...
Holiness and wholeness
Rabbi Judith Edelman-Green is devoted to providing spiritual care for people with disabilities. As a passionate educator, she initiated and directed an inclusive Bar and Bat Mitzvah program with the Masorti Movement in Israel. Read more ...
Unconventional compromise
Nadav Silbert had his Bar Mitzvah on August 17, 2024 without inviting any family or friends. Intentionally. Read more ...
We did it!
“We did it!” Carly exclaimed as Shabbat services were coming to a close on the morning of May 22, 2021. The entire congregation smiled with tremendous joy during Adom Olam at Carly and Maci’s B’not Mitzvah (“B’not” is plural for girls) at Temple Beth El in Rochester, New York. Read more ...
Imperative for inclusion
Michael Newman became a Bar Mitzvah on December 12, 1987. Today he sits in the seat his father used to sit in at Congregation Beth Sholom in Rochester, New York, carrying on the legacy of their proud, shared Jewish identity. Read more ...
A loving big brother
Nicholas G., who has autism, did not have access to the Jewish education he needed for a Bar Mitzvah ceremony. As a high school senior, his older brother, Zachary, chose to help Nicholas prepare for his bar mitzvah. Read more ...
Creativity is key
Jen and Adam Anolik have two daughters, Ellie and Sarah. Ellie is the oldest and has intellectual disabilities. It was important to Jen and Adam that both of their daughters participate in Jewish life and learning. They really wanted both daughters to feel the same sense of accomplishment from a meaningful and joyful Bat Mitzvah experience. Read more ...
