Need A Hebrew School? No Problem!

Welcome To

The Jewish Sherpa’s Alternative to Hebrew School

How It Works

Zoom Lessons

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

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:

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.

The Torah and the story of the ancient Jewish people

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.

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. 

  • “Michael has a wonderful teaching style that strikes the perfect balance between reviewing previously learned material and introducing new concepts. His lessons feel more like meaningful conversations than traditional classes. In just a short time, Michael has taught our son how to read Hebrew and has him chanting prayers with confidence. Even more importantly, he has inspired a genuine appreciation for Jewish history and tradition.”

    Rebecca C, mother of Oliver

  • The customized prayer book that Mike created and designed especially for our service was PERFECT. Leading the services, he got our guests involved and engaged. I couldn’t have asked for a more perfect day!”

    -Nicole Netzah, mother of Eli

  • “I would not be living the Jewish life I’m living today had it not been for the love of Judaism that Mike instilled in me as he was preparing me for my Bat Mitzvah over 20 years ago.”

    - Melissa Ayres (her own Bat Mitzvah)

  • “Michael’s devotion to my son’s special needs (he is on the autism spectrum) is unprecedented.As a parent, Michael makes you feel that your child is the most special and dynamic student he is working with.”

    -Michael Margules, father of Noah