Our Mission

Our mission is to provide students with a profound understanding of Jewish values, beliefs, and traditions, while also encouraging them to put these teachings into practice in their everyday lives. We believe that learning about Judaism should spark both intellectual and practical engagement, ensuring students are not only informed but also inspired to live by these principles.

Program Overview

Nishmati (“my soul”) is Neshama’s innovative Bnei Mitzvah program developed by Rabbi Shneur Reti-Waks and the team at Neshama merging traditional Jewish learning with practical, real-life applications. The program offers a meaningful educational experience that connects with both heart and mind.

Program Structure

The Nishmati program seamlessly integrates theoretical study, Nilmad (we shall learn) with hands-on experiences, Na’ase (we shall do). The full program curriculum is completed over two terms. Each term is crafted as an 8-week unit, allowing students the flexibility to join at the start of any term, making the program accessible and adaptable to different schedules.

Topics included:

• Jewish Lifecycle Event Part I
• Jewish Lifecycle Event Part I
• Prayer & Spirituality
• Exploring Jewish Identity
• Jewish Symbols and Rituals
• Environmental Stewardship and its role in Judaism
• The Jewish Bookshelf: Evolution of Sacred Literature
• Modern Israel
• Moral Philosophy and Critical Thinking
• Introduction to Jewish Values
• Jewish History and Heroes
• Shabbat and its Significance
• Kosher Kitxhen and Jewish Dietary Laws
• Jewish Music and Dance
• Visit to the Melbourne Holocaust Museum
• Visit to the Melbourne Jewish Museum
• Visit to Emmy Monash, one of Melbourne’s Jewish Aged Care Homes

We also encourage students, with their families to attend our monthly Kabbalat Shabbat Services each term.

Terms 2, 3 & 4 2025 and Term 1 2026 Program booklets available to look at here: