Host Sara Ivry begins her exploration of the developmental and social realities of today’s b’nai mitzvah students through the eyes of parents, psychologists, experts, journalists, and rabbis.

Sara’s guests reflect on self-esteem and performance anxiety and how gender codes influence ideas about public speaking, concerns about social media, and attitudes about perfection.

In this episode, Sara explores the pressures pre-teens face to fit in – the social pressures and gender norms that impact today’s pre-teens. We hear about the pressures on girls, boys, and the compelling story of a transgender pre-teen navigating b’nai mitzvah party culture.

In this episode, host Sara Ivry examines the spiritual side of the b’nai mitzvah process. Listen in as Sara explores both the moments of blessing that occur in the ceremony and around it – and the unexpected ways that pre-teens are experiencing holiness in the rite of passage.

In this episode, host Sara Ivry explores the pressures on parents and pre-teens to navigate the celebrations that take place after the services and the speeches. You’ll hear from party planners and DJs and a handful of insightful pre-teens who are seeking alternatives to the typical celebration. 

Sara’s guests explore parent-teen communication, both in public speeches about each other at their special events and how fostering healthy communication skills becomes increasingly important as teens journey from middle to high school.