Join us for a transformative journey of growth and discovery for the whole family. 

Raising the Bar is Lab/Shul’s re-imagined, innovative and highly-personalized B Mitzvah* program led by Rabbi Amichai Lau-Lavie, Naomi Less,  and our community of highly-trained and carefully-selected educator-artists. Blending ritual, Storahtelling, age-old wisdom, individual expression, and hands-on experience, we will work together to reshape this important rite of passage. (*The term “B Mitzvah” is a gender-neutral, inclusive and everybody-friendly reflection of today’s diverse and dynamic population.)  

Raising the Bar empowers teens to:

Raising the Bar includes:

Personal Training

45 one-on-one learning sessions with a trained educator-artist, carefully selected to match each participant’s personal learning style and sense of inquiry and creativity.

Family Learning

Quarterly Parents’ Salons and Family Programs encourage in-depth exploration and deepened communal connections for family members of all ages.

Justice Club

Social Action and group learning programs promote communal and civic consciousness and responsibility.

Re-imagined Ritual

Your private B Mitzvah ceremony will be tailored to your family’s customs and sensibilities.

Paying it Forward

Post-B Mitzvah, Raising the Bar graduates continue to participate in carefully curated actions, activities and social gatherings.

Personal Training

45 one-on-one learning sessions with a trained educator-artist, carefully selected to match each participant’s personal learning style and sense of inquiry and creativity.

Family Learning

Monthly Parents’ Salons and Family Programs encourage in-depth exploration and deepened communal connections for family members of all ages.

Justice Club

Social Action and group learning programs promote communal and civic consciousness and responsibility.

Re-imagined Ritual

Your private or Lab/Shul Community B Mitzvah ceremony will be tailored to your family’s customs and sensibilities.

Paying it Forward

Post-B Mitzvah, Raising the Bar graduates continue to participate in carefully curated actions, activities and social gatherings.

“How refreshing to actually understand Torah and to not be bored to tears during the service! The whole thing felt so real, tender, creative, deep, and moving.” – B Mitzvah Guest

“Raising the Bar provided a wonderful framework upon which Ari could build a B Mitzvah service that both embraced tradition and reflected who she is and what is important to her.” – Raising the Bar parent

“Not only was the day so much more meaningful than I ever anticipated, but the process leading up to it was incredibly enriching for our entire family.” – Raising the Bar parent

“You do an amazing job at bridging Judaism’s long amazing history and values while making it meaningful and relevant and real.”
– B Mitzvah guest

“The whole process was enlightening and challenging in equal measure. Our trainer was a truly inspired teacher – patient, creative, and open-minded.” – Raising the Bar parent

“The program touched on everything from social justice to theology to spirituality to individual dignity without a heavy hand. Not easy to do these days.” – Raising the Bar parent

“Something so moving and magical happened in that room. Hearts were opened, minds were blown, souls were nurtured – and we are eternally grateful.” – Raising The Bar grandparent

“Several traditional Hebrew School survivors told us that it was the most beautiful B Mitzvah they had attended.”
– Raising the Bar parent

“I observed more than a few religious skeptics at the gathering weeping while you spoke of our desire for human connection.”
– Raising the Bar guest

Let’s Talk! We’re here to make your journey meaningful and as stress-free as possible, spiritually, emotionally or financially. Contact Stephanie Kane, Raising the Bar Coordinator. 

What’s Unique About Raising the Bar?