5 Sessions | 1.5 or 2 hours each
Adamah NY B’Mitzvah Cohort: Manhattan
October 19 - November 16
Manhattan, NY
Give your child’s coming-of-age celebration deeper meaning
Connect their Jewish identity to the sacred responsibility of caring for our earth
The Adamah NY B’Mitzvah Cohort offers a pathway for students from all Jewish backgrounds to mark their B’Mitzvah with environmental action
Manhattan Cohort Fall 2026
- Dates: October 19, October 25, November 2, November 8, November 16
- Monday meetings will take place at the MMJCCM on the Upper West Side from 6:00-7:30 PM, Sunday meetings will take place in the afternoon, exact locations TBA.
We also have a Spring Brooklyn Cohort.
This program is open to all students in the year or two leading up to their B’Mitzvah.
Program Includes:
- Five in-person sessions of Jewish Environmental learning + hands-on climate action and service work
- Each student will leave the program with their own Mitzvah project and one-on-one support in incorporating the project into their B-Mitzvah Day
Interested in bringing this program to another area of New York City, Long Island or Westchester? Reach out to Hannah (Hannah.glass@adamah.org)!
Planning a B’Mitzvah Project can feel overwhelming.
Between all the planning and prep, it’s easy to lose sight of what coming of age in Jewish tradition is really about—stepping up and taking responsibility in the world. A mitzvah project can focus on so many different issues, but a lot of young people today feel especially connected to climate justice and how it links to other causes they care about. We’re here to help turn that passion into a mitzvah project that feels meaningful and true to you.
The Adamah Manhattan and Brooklyn B’Mitzvah Cohorts empower young people to design a mitzvah project that brings their values and responsibility to life.
This month-long environmental and social justice program, taught by Adamah NY—a leading Jewish environmental organization—connects Jewish tradition with climate action. Through engaging learning, hands-on service, and personalized guidance, participants create impactful environmental mitzvah projects, deepen their commitment to social responsibility, and gain the tools and confidence to take Jewishly rooted action throughout their lives—all while building community with like-minded peers.
Why this is for you!
Students will gain deep knowledge of Jewish environmentalism, an introduction to various climate organizations in NYC, experience with hands-on volunteering, as well as hard fundraising and community organizing skills. You will receive support in accomplishing a mitzvah project and integrating your learnings into the B’Mitzvah experience – through D’var Torah or in other aspects of the celebration.
Details
Structure
The cohort will meet five times, and each session will engage with a different area of Jewish environmental connection and climate action. We will explore action through direct service on an urban farm, meet with youth climate leaders, and practice community organizing skills. Students will not just be learning but will put these lessons into action – developing a mitzvah project of their own. Participants will also have the chance to meet one-on-one for support with project implementation from Hannah, the program facilitator.
Program Facilitator
Classes will be taught by Adamah NY’s Jewish Environmental Educator, Hannah Kahn Glass. Hannah draws from a background in both formal and experiential Jewish education, Jewish farming, and community organizing. Students will also learn from guest speakers and other Adamah NY staff members.
Fees
The program fee is a sliding scale of $500-$1,000, with $1,000 more accurately reflecting the full cost of the program. We encourage you to give at an amount that is feasible for you.
Manhattan Cohort Schedule – Fall 2026
- Monday afternoon, October 19
- Sunday afternoon, October 25
- Monday afternoon, November 2
- Sunday afternoon, November 8
- Monday afternoon, November 16
Sample Schedule from a Previous Cohort:
Can’t join the cohort but still want to take on a meaningful mitzvah project? Consider supporting Adamah NY’s Environmental Justice work through a community fundraising campaign. We’ll help you create a personalized fundraising page, provide guidance and resources, and suggest hands-on service projects that can complement your efforts. Check out an example of a fundraising portal and schedule a time to connect with Hannah here to build your own!
B’Mitzvah Add-Ons
Looking for more ways to bring Adamah into your B’Mitzvah celebration? We offer add-on opportunities to deepen your simcha’s connection to environmental Judaism.
- Sustainable Simcha Consultation – meet for a one-hour session with our climate action team for coaching on ways to make your students’ B’Mitzvah service and party eco-friendly.
- Bring Adamah NY to your B’nai Mitzvah Party to lead an eco-activity. Options include an herbalism station, flower-pressing crafts, native seedball making, and more!
- Interested in holding your Simcha at our retreat center? Participants of the program are eligible to receive a discount at Isabella Freedman or Pearlstone Retreat Centers.
Regardless of your involvement in the B’Mitzvah cohort, we would be honored for your Mitzvah Project to include fundraising to support Adamah NY’s environmental justice work! Check out our fundraising portal and feel free to send an email to Hannah to brainstorm a project or learn more about what it means to fundraise for Adamah’s crucial work supporting people and planet.
Reach out to Adamah NY’s Education & Community Engagement Coordinator Hannah Kahn Glass with any questions.
