Program details
WHAT? Encounter fabulous Jewish women from Biblical to modern times who have made a difference in this empowering Bat Mitzvah program. Combining traditional source-based learning (chevruta) with experiential components including craft and drama, the program will develop your daughter’s critical thinking, creativity, and connection to Jewish text and values.
It culminates in an independent project of each girl's choice and works as a standalone Bat Mitzvah program or to supplement private tutoring or a school program.
WHO? Each girl is accompanied by their mum or another family member (we have had grannies, aunts, dads and more). We welcome girls of all backgrounds who will become Bat Mitzvah in 2026 or 2027 (whether they're in Year 5, Year 6 or Year 7 in 2026). If you're not sure about timing, be in touch to chat!
WHEN? The program will be taught over 12 Sunday afternoons in terms 1 and 2, with a break for school holidays. Session dates for 2026 are as follows (subject to change):
Sunday 22 February
Sunday 1 March
Sunday 8 March
Sunday 15 March
Sunday 22 March
Sunday 29 March
Sunday 19 April
Sunday 26 April
Sunday 10 May
Sunday 17 May
Sunday 31 May
Sunday 14 June
HOW? Spots are limited so sign up by 1 February 2026 to secure your place. There is a discounted price for Or Chadash and Mizrachi members.
QUESTIONS? Reach out to Sarah Charak on 0466002564 or info@orchadash.org.au if you'd like to chat.
Launched by the Matan Institute in Jerusalem in 1994 and now taught in over 80 Jewish communities globally, the Matan Bat Mitzvah program inspires girls to find their place alongside other strong women in the chain of Jewish history.
Past parent testimonials
"A unique and special text-based endeavour in to what it has meant to be a Jewish woman through historic and biblical examples and how we relate to this as becoming a Jewish woman today – best of all mothers and daughter can spend this time both learning together with so much to discover across generations, Sarah is the most fabulous educator!!!"
"My daughter and I loved the Matan program. It was a special time every week for mother-daughter learning and engagement and I loved the chance to see my daughter inside a learning environment and she especially enjoyed the games and craft."
"This bat mitzvah course allows for the participation and collaboration of mother-daughter learning in an environment that is warm, engaging and informative led by inspiring teachers. I would highly recommend this course to anyone looking for an in depth look at inspiring Jewish women across time in a forum that promotes critical and creative thinking for mother and daughter alike.”
"The Matan Bat Mitzvah program provided us both an opportunity to learn more about incredible Jewish women throughout history. The sessions brought together source based Jewish learning, engaging activities and art, to provide the girls with a well-rounded understanding of who these women were and the times that they lived in. Thank you!"
"I have done the Matan course with both my daughters, and have found it to be a truly worthwhile experience. I enjoyed learning with my daughters and my daughters developed their knowledge of a wide range of Jewish women."
Matan 2025
Matan 2023 and 2024
Matan 2021
Matan 2019 and 2020
