Shliach Creates Virtual Bar Mitzvah Prep School

When you think of Bar Mitzvah preparations, what comes to mind?

Tefillin. Parsha. Parties. Presents.

But what about the internal part — the spiritual prep?

Rabbi Aryeh Weinstein, a shliach, teacher, coach and speaker, has created a video course, The Bar Mitzvah Prep School, to fill this niche. In his dynamic and engaging style, he presents fundamental Torah and Chassidus concepts on an emotional and practical level through a series of short mini lessons. His program is built entirely on “serving the boy in the best way possible so his experience of Yiddishkeit is the way it should be: positive, meaningful, and relevant.”

Through concrete examples and vibrant explanations, Rabbi Weinstein addresses core topics in a relatable way, bridging the gap between knowledge and practice. The information is presented on the highest level possible and in a digestible online format. Arthur, a student who celebrated his bar mitzvah in late 2021, appreciated the ability to watch lessons on his own time.

“Sometimes, I took lessons in the morning, and other days, the afternoon or evening worked better. This flexibility meant that I could choose times when I felt relaxed and able to focus fully on the lesson.”

A Game-Changer for Shluchim

Many shluchim have already begun using this course as part of their Bar Mitzvah program. The course is a total game-changer.

“I sit and watch the videos together with the student,” says Rabbi Sholom Schmerling of Chabad of Venice, Florida.

“After a long day, you’re exhausted and the kid is exhausted after a day in school. It’s so refreshing to have this professional curriculum to watch together. It elevates the entire bar mitzvah preparation. The content sparks great discussions.”

Upon completion of the course, students are awarded with a certificate — a tangible acknowledgment that they are part of something larger. They graduate empowered, connected to the deeper meaning of mitzvos such as Shabbos, kashrus, and ahavas Yisroel. 

A Positive Side-Effect…

There are multiple structure options. The child can watch it on his own, with a parent, or with the shliach (in an individual or group setting). And in a true manner of “ha’gedolim al haketanim,” illuminating the adults through the children, it also inspires parents to renew their commitment to Yiddishkeit. 

“There are also many parents who won’t even bring their boys to the synagogue so as not to put them through what they, the parent, went through in their own bar mitzvah preparations which turned them off from Judaism,” says Rabbi Weinstein. “By taking the course with their sons, they have a refreshed and much better experience.” 

Inna, Arthur’s mother, enjoyed watching the lessons with her son. “Setting our own schedule allowed me to watch some of the lessons with Arthur, and I learned a lot too! I was eager to understand the process of – and the meaning behind – Shabbat.”

Going Beyond “Getting Bar-Mitzvahed”

The course takes students beyond the ceremonial passive act of “getting Bar-Mitzvahed,” ushering them on a purpose-driven path as an active participant in Yiddishkeit. In fact, Arthur was so inspired that he requested on his own initiative to continue learning with a tutor on a weekly basis about Yiddishkeit.

For as he put it: “I feel that I have a better sense of who I am; my Jewish roots have always been important to me, but now I understand those roots better — and that truly made the time leading up to my Bar Mitzvah memorable, exciting, and tied to lessons I will use my whole life.”

What’s Included?

• A series of 15-minute mini lessons the child can watch at his own pace
• Short post-lesson quizzes for the child to keep him accountable and check his comprehension (which he must pass in order to move on to the next lesson)
• A 26-page workbook that can be used by a shliach or teacher with their student to accompany the course lessons

Know a child who could use a memorable and transformative Bar Mitzvah prep experience? Click here to learn more and sign up!

* Shluchim can receive a complimentary chabadone.org mini-site for bar mitzvah resources with The Bar Mitzvah Prep School advertisement and registration form embedded. A group package rate for up to 8 students is also available.