Bar/Bat Mitzvah Training for those with Autism and Other Special Needs

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The new year will bring with it a new partnership between Vista Del Mar Child and Family Services and Sinai Temple—a partnership that will enable Jewish adolescents and teens with autism and other special needs to experience a fundamental rite of passage—the bar/bat mitzvah. Through this innovative partnership, Vista Del Mar's Nes Gadol program—a bar/bat mitzvah training program for adolescents and teens with autism and other special needs—is now being offered at Sinai Temple to children ages 9 and up. Enrollment in these unique classes is currently underway, with actual instruction commencing in January of 2012. Classes will be held on Sundays, from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., at Sinai Temple (10400 Wilshire Blvd., Los Angeles, 90024). Students will receive a multi-sensory and dynamic Jewish education under the leadership of a highly skilled, multidisciplinary team, including: Vista's Rabbi in Residence and Nes Gadol instructor Jackie Redner; Vista Inspire Program Director Elaine Hall; Judaic Educator, Cantor Ken Jaffe; along with other special-education professionals and Sinai Temple teen volunteers.

Sinai Temple members interested in enrolling should contact: Rabbi Nicole Guzik at [email protected] or (310) 481-3234; or Danielle Kassin at [email protected] or (310) 481-3230. For those who are not Sinai Temple members, contact Rabbi Jackie Redner at [email protected] or (310) 836-1223 ext. 209 for information about Vista's ongoing Nes Gadol program.