How It Works
The First Meeting
We start with a conversation — either on Zoom or in person.
I'll explain what the service looks like, show you a sample of our customized prayer book, and walk you through the whole experience.
Then I spend 15 - 20 minutes working with your child. I get to know them — their interests, what makes them excited. And I teach them a few Hebrew letters and vowels, showing them how accessible Hebrew really is.
By the end of that meeting, your child feels confident. They know they can do this.
Timeline For B’ Mitzvah Prep
Most families work with me for 12- 18 months, which gives us plenty of time to really build your child's confidence and knowledge. But we can work with flexible timelines depending on your situation.
Typically, we start with one lesson per week. As we approach the bar mitzvah, sometimes we increase to additional lessons per week — depending on how your child is progressing and what they need. We adjust based on each student's pace and readiness.
Why Zoom Works
Most of my lessons happen on Zoom, and I want you to know: I'm just as effective teaching on Zoom as I am in person.
In fact, I work with families all around the world — from Los Angeles to Las Vegas, Florida, and beyond. I've even had clients internationally, in Mexico, China, Israel, and Italy.
If you can connect on Zoom, we can work together. I can accomplish everything — building connection, teaching Hebrew, explaining prayers, answering questions — through the screen. My students stay engaged, focused, and excited about what they're learning. The only difference is the convenience for your family.
What Your Child Will Learn
In addition to preparing your child for their bar mitzvah, every lesson is custom-built for your child, at their level, reflecting their interests.
I encourage questions at every step. Often, your child's curiosity will take us places I wasn't even planning to go — and that's when the real magic happens. Learning becomes a genuine conversation, not a lecture.
We begin every lesson by saying a blessing — a bracha — over a snack — because I want your child to develop the habit of expressing gratitude and infusing everyday moments with spiritual meaning.
Throughout our time together, your child will learn:
The Torah and the story of the ancient Jewish people
We will discuss Mitzvot and how they guide us in living a Jewish life.
Your child will learn about the beauty, diversity, customs, and history of the Jewish diaspora - how, 2,000 years ago, Jews were exiled from Israel and scattered across the world, settling everywhere from Yemen to Hungary to Iran.
Your child will learn about Passover, Hanukkah, Rosh Hashanah, and Yom Kippur - their origins, meanings, and observances- as well as Shabbat, the weekly day of rest that anchors Jewish life.
We will also delve into other important lesser known holidays like Purim, Shavuot, Sukkot, Tu B'Shevat, and Tisha B'Av.
The major and minor Jewish holidays
Prayers
Your child will learn to chant prayers with melodies that are modern, fun, and joyful — not boring or old-fashioned. They'll also learn the traditional Torah chanting melodies that are over twelve hundred years old, connecting them to Jews across the centuries.
Jewish history
We will sensitively cover topics including antisemitism, the Holocaust, and the establishment of the state of Israel as a homeland where Jews could build a future.
We approach Israel with respect and nuance, celebrating its significance without getting political.
By the time your child stands up for their bar mitzvah, they'll be deeply confident. They'll understand what becoming bar or bat mitzvah means, the significance of it, and that they belong to the Jewish people.
The Service Itself
Your child will lead an abbreviated traditional Shabbat service — featuring the most meaningful and significant prayers. The service can happen on Saturday morning, Saturday afternoon as Shabbat ends — whatever works best for your family.
Throughout the service, there are meaningful opportunities to honor family and friends — people open the ark, make blessings on the Torah, do readings in English. They participate, they're honored, they laugh, they cry, they feel something real.
Your child won't sit passively waiting for their moment — they'll be front and center the whole time, guiding the service. I'll be there with them, asking questions, and your child will explain what the prayers mean before chanting them.
Guests don't sit through a boring ceremony — they're part of something meaningful. They'll tell you afterwards that it was one of the most memorable Shabbat services they've ever attended.
After The Big Day
Some families choose to continue working with me after the bar mitzvah. Your child has discovered something real — a connection to Judaism, to the Jewish people, to themselves. And some want to deepen that connection.
I offer ongoing Jewish education as an alternative to Hebrew school, helping your child stay engaged with their faith as they grow.
