The sixth grade girls took part in a week-long bat mitzvah-focused program to help them transition into this next phase in their lives. The programming targeted the social, emotional and religious changes taking place for them, and will help them get the most out of this once-in-a-lifetime occasion.

Highlights of the week included a chesed project with Yachad members, a simcha dancing session, a learning program concentrating on female role models in Tanach and a discussion-provoking project about their own personal foundations and influences.

The girls also made a keepsake project in which students created a mission statement of the type of person they want to be, based on everything they learned throughout the week.

As a conclusion to the program, students had the opportunity to hear from dynamic and inspirational female role models in the school community. Rebbetzin Lea Marcus, of Congregation Israel in Springfield, and Rebbetzin Sarah Klibanoff, of Congregation Etz Chaim in Livingston, each discussed the significance of becoming a bat mitzvah with the girls. The girls were engaged by their stimulating presentations, which focused both on their professional roles and their roles as rebbetzins in their respective communities.