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Weekly Torah Portion + B'nai Mitzvah Prep
Expand your Torah journey
with trusted resources
Deepen your family’s study of the Parashat HaShavua and build confidence for the b’nai mitzvah year. From Hebrew reading to cantillation, and from classic commentaries to modern insights — everything you need, in one place.
Explore Parashat HaShavua Jump to resourcesEssential companions for success
These carefully selected practice tools and workbooks complement the Parashat HaShavua weekly Torah guide, helping students master Hebrew, prayer fluency, trop, and reflection.
Alef Bet Quest Practice
Interactive Hebrew reading and writing practice for beginning readers. Build letter recognition, decoding, and basic vocabulary with engaging exercises.
Learn morePrayer Service Practice
Master the core prayers of the Shabbat service. Includes audio support and repetition strategies to build fluency and meaning.
Explore prayer practiceArt of Cantillation
Learn Torah and Haftarah trope with clear explanations, recordings, and exercises. Essential for chanting with confidence.
Master cantillationMake This Journal! My Bar/Bat Mitzvah Year
A reflective journal to document milestones, mitzvah projects, and personal growth throughout the b’nai mitzvah journey.
Start journalingToday's Torah
Connect each Torah portion to modern life. Accessible commentary, discussion questions, and activities for families and students.
Discover Today's Torah Buy Today's TorahDeepen understanding: Torah commentaries & study guides
Beyond the weekly portion, these classic and contemporary works offer rich insights for families, students, and adult learners. Curated from trusted sources — perfect for Shabbat table discussions and deeper dives.
Essential Torah commentaries
- The Torah: A Modern CommentaryRevised edition, ed. W. Gunther Plaut (URJ Press) – the classic Reform commentary with Hebrew and English.
- Etz Hayim: Torah and CommentaryEd. David L. Lieber & Jules Harlow (Rabbinical Assembly) – used widely in Conservative communities.
- The JPS Torah CommentarySeries ed. Nahum M. Sarna & Chaim Potok (Jewish Publication Society) – scholarly, verse-by-verse.
- The Five Books of Moses: A Translation with CommentaryRobert Alter (Norton) – literary masterpiece, illuminating Hebrew nuances.
- The Torah: A Women's CommentaryEd. Tamara Cohn Eskenazi & Andrea Weiss (WRJ) – feminist perspectives, modern midrash.
- Commentary on the TorahRichard Elliott Friedman – historical-critical approach with a compelling translation.
Midrash, mystics & family wisdom
- Ramban (Nachmanides): Commentary on the TorahEd. Charles Chavel – medieval mystical and rationalist insights.
- Legends of the JewsLouis Ginzberg – classic anthology of rabbinic lore and legends (available via JPS).
- Sparks Beneath the SurfaceLawrence Kushner & Kerry Olitzky – spiritual commentary for modern seekers.
- Reading the Women of the BibleTikva Frymer-Kensky – new interpretations of female biblical figures.
- Self, Struggle, and ChangeNorman J. Cohen – family conflict stories in Genesis with healing insights.
- Midrash Rabbah (Soncino)Classical rabbinic expansions on Torah – timeless wisdom.
Haftarah & special readings
- The JPS Bible Commentary: HaftarotEd. Michael Fishbane – in-depth companion to the prophetic portions.
- The Haftarah CommentaryW. Gunther Plaut (UAHC Press) – historical background and themes.
- The Women's Haftarah CommentaryEd. Elyse Goldstein – insights from women rabbis on haftarot and megillot.
- Study Guide to the JPS Bible Commentary: HaftarotLaura Suzanne Lieber – discussion prompts and educational aids.
Mitzvot, social action & B'nai Mitzvah journey
- Putting God on the Guest ListJeffrey K. Salkin – reclaiming spiritual meaning of bar/bat mitzvah.
- Jewish Dimensions of Social JusticeAlbert Vorspan & David Saperstein – tough moral choices and tikkun olam.
- To Learn Is To Do: A Tikkun Olam RoadmapSharon D. Halper – actionable projects for families.
- ReVisions: Seeing Torah Through a Feminist LensElyse Goldstein & Irving Greenberg – feminist readings of Torah portions.
Curated for your family’s study
The commentaries listed above are enduring classics, available through major booksellers, libraries, or your synagogue’s resource center. While some older online links may have changed, these print editions remain trusted companions for Torah learning at any age. For up-to-date digital tools, explore Behrman House’s interactive offerings.
The commentaries listed above are enduring classics, available through major booksellers, libraries, or your synagogue’s resource center. While some older online links may have changed, these print editions remain trusted companions for Torah learning at any age. For up-to-date digital tools, explore Behrman House’s interactive offerings.
For families & Shabbat table discussions
Weekly conversation starters — adapt themes from Parashat HaShavua for meaningful dinner discussions.
Online resources (URJ) and recorded insights — check with your educator for current access.
Daily/weekly email inspiration — many movements offer short Torah reflections; ask your rabbi.
Prepare with confidence — every step of the way
From Alef Bet to chanting Haftarah, Behrman House provides the tools that turn study into celebration. Pair the weekly Parashat HaShavua guide with practice and commentary to build lasting skills.