A wholly modern invention, in less than a century the Bat Mitzvah has grown from a radical experiment to a nearly universal milestone in American Jewish life. What accounts for the rapid expansion of this ritual and its current popularity? How is Bat Mitzvah practiced today, and how does the experience shape the attitudes and identities of contemporary Jewish girls?

The Ma'yan Research Training Interns (RTI's), a select group of nine Jewish girls in 10th-12th grade in the Tri-State area, have spent the past year examining these questions and more, taking a closer look at the Bat Mitzvah experience in Jewish girls' lives. At this symposium, the RTI's will present findings from their original research on girls and Bat Mitzvah. Symposium participants will also have the opportunity to discuss their reactions to the Interns' presentation, with separate facilitated sessions for parents and professionals. Finally, in a closing panel, experts in congregational education, Jewish women's history, the state of B'nai Mitzvah, and girls' development will offer their perspectives on the day's learning. This event has a suggested program fee of $36 (no one will be turned away due to an inability to pay). To register, please contact Rabbi Alissa Wise at alissa@mayan.org or 646/505-4424.