Northeastern University Hillel Hosts a Community B’nai Mitzvah Celebration to Remember
This past weekend, at Northeastern University Hillel, nine students were called to the Torah for a special, community-wide Hillel b’nai mitzvah ceremony.
“Becoming [a] bat mitzvah at 20 years old was one of the best decisions of my whole life,” said Noa May Zebley, a student at Berklee College of Music who participated in the program. “I feel like I have been able to make a choice that is truly my own, reflects my intentions, and starts a new chapter.”
The students’ journey began in January, when nine students came together to form a b’nai mitzvah study cohort, embarking on two months of Jewish learning, reflection, and personal growth. In addition to practicing the Hebrew blessings, and learning and exploring the Torah portion for the ceremony — parashat Ki Tisa, notable for the story of the golden calf — students engaged in peer-to-peer study, exploring the themes and ideas of the Torah portion together.
Jacob Kline, who also serves as the vice president of Jewish life at Northeastern Hillel, knew how important it was that the program include the traditional aspects of a b’nai mitzvah, while still remaining welcoming and accessible to students of all kinds of Jewish backgrounds and experiences.
“We’ve worked really hard to ensure they have an experience that meets the Jewish requirements for a b’nai mitzvah, and [is] meaningful for the participants who are being called to the Torah,” he said. “We’ve spent time meeting one-on-one with each participant, hearing their many different reasons for seeking this Jewish milestone at this point in their lives, and have created a custom traditional program that supports each of them through this exciting journey.”
“At its core, this experience is about more than just learning prayers and traditions — it is about finding belonging, purpose, growth, joy, and empowerment,” agreed Rabbi Jacob Weiss, Northeastern Hillel’s rabbi and wellness chaplain, who helped design the program and work with participants. “Students are given the opportunity to reflect on their Jewish identity in a way that is meaningful to them, exploring their connection to Torah, community, and personal values.”
Students in this first cohort came from every current graduating year, from first-years to seniors, and also included a graduate student and two alumni. While each student had a different reason for participating, what they all shared was a desire to actively claim their Jewish identity, and a commitment to participating in Jewish community.
“I was drawn to participate in the b’nai mitzvah because I didn’t get the chance to have a bat mitzvah as a child but always wished that I did,” said Maya Kozlov, who is graduating this year. “I knew that it would be an exciting part of my journey with Judaism and the service would be a special memory for me.”
For Rabbi Weiss, one of the most meaningful aspects of the program was working with each student to discuss the ways that they found resonance with the Torah portion and the ways it came to life for them, and also helping a handful of the students navigate the process of choosing and claiming a Hebrew name for themselves.
“One student came to me and said they were probably going to write about something that they have been really challenged by and disagree with,” he said. “So it’s been really cool to see them hone their own values and bring the Torah to life in their own way.”
The experience culminated in a community-wide ceremony featuring an inclusive, student-led prayer service. Friends and family were invited, and each participant was called to the Torah as a b’nai mitzvah. The ceremony was followed by a festive brunch, where the students shared their divrei Torah and reflected on what this journey has meant to them.
“Becoming a bat mitzvah at 19 has given me the chance to better understand my relationship with Judaism in a purposeful way,” said first-year student Caroline Berman. “I am so happy that the Hillel community was there to support me throughout the process!”
Yasher koach (great job), and mazel tov to all of the participants!