From chimney sweeps in Victorian England to compulsory education until 18, societies have long wrestled with the question: When is a child ready to take on adult responsibilities?
In celebration of JW3’s Bar Mitzvah year, join Clive Lawton as he explores the fascinating and often contradictory ways cultures across time and place have marked the transition from childhood to adulthood.
What You’ll Learn
These engaging sessions will delve into:
- Coming-of-age rituals and legal milestones
- The balance between trust and responsibility in parenting
- How and when to let go and what it means to “act your age”
Who It’s For
Perfect for grandparents, parents, educators and anyone curious about the journey from childhood to independence.
Who delivers it?
Clive Lawton, awarded an OBE for his outstanding contribution to education and the Jewish community, is a renowned educator, magistrate, and global presenter. Known for his charismatic style and deep insight, Clive brings together history, philosophy, and lived experience in a talk that promises to be both thought-provoking and warmly relatable.
Course Outline
Week 1 (25 February): What does growing up look like in British law and custom?
From lowering the voting age or raising the age for criminal responsibility and other reassuringly confident positions (not!) And let's not even get into 'retirement age'!
Week 2 (4 March): Are Jews any better?
Explore the significance of the Bar and Bat Mitzvah. Why these ages when there are so many other ages of 'responsibility' in Jewish tradition? What about the Liberal tradition of Ben/Bet Torah? Are we cheating or treating our children with the accent on partying? Is taking responsibility anything to celebrate anyway or does that immediately demonstrate that everyone's missed the point?
Week 3 (11 March): When is a child not a child?
A discussion on the legality and definition of children and childhood, with a particular focus on international law and distress about children in warfare.
Week 4 (18 March): Global coming of age rituals
From Sweet Sixteens and Quinceañeras to lion hunts and gathering bullet ants, how do other communities celebrate coming of age?
Learn about the diverse coming-of-age rituals and their significance for communities across the globe.
Week 5 (25 March): Allowing young people to choose their path
Choosing a spouse, choosing a secondary school, choosing a religion and other important decisions. When should adults allow young people to choose their own path?
An impossible question or a delicate balance?
NB: This series will take place both in the building and online. To attend in in person, click the "Book Now" button on this page. To attend online, click the button below.