B-Mitzvah: Uniquely Meaningful

As part of the individualized Jewish learning experience, or as a distinct endeavor, we work with families to plan and officiate b-mitzvah.

We work with families and couples of various affiliations, beliefs, and lack of belief, to craft a service that honors Jewish tradition, keeping in mind and each individual’s approach to religion and meaning in the 21st century.

For those seeking a traditional service, we help students learn traditional prayers, chant from the Torah and prepare text-based divrei Torah, brief mini-sermons in which learning is shared with family, friends and guests. These speeches are based in each learner’s interests and reflect their approach to being Jewish.

Some families craft a ceremony that is based on family history, Jewish history research, and a consideration of Jewish ethics, ancient and modern. This may include a community volunteer project – and a reflection or presentation on the experience.

We officiate locally and around the globe.

Recent testimonials:

Bat Mitzvah @ Home – NYC:

“Abby officiated my daughter’s bat mitzvah in our home. It was such an important day for our family, my daughter did an amazing job, and we are so thankful to Abby for everything she did to make it happen.

About a year prior, my family learned that the options available through our temple for our daughter’s bat mitzvah would not work for us. As we explored alternative avenues, a friend introduced me to Abby, and from my very first conversation with her, I knew my daughter, and our family, would be in excellent hands. She was incredibly easy to talk to and open to understanding exactly what we were looking for.

As we moved through the process, Abby became so much more than a bat mitzvah tutor and officiant. Abby communicates her deep knowledge of Judaism in such a meaningful and relatable way. She was an amazing teacher, not just for my daughter, but for the rest of my family as well – me, especially.

The service itself was everything we had hoped for: intimate, family-centered, and meaningful. Abby led the ceremony alongside our daughter with such care, intention, humor, organization, and knowledge. It exceeded our expectations on so many levels. We are incredibly grateful to Abby and we look forward to continuing to learn from her and having her be a part of our lives for years to come.” Keri, NYC

Intergenerational Adult B-Mitzvah:

“Dear Abby,

THANK YOU for the past year and a half! We could not have asked for a better teacher or B’nai Mitzvah experience.

We’re still marveling at how you managed to wrangle three very different learners – each with our own goals, quirks, and calendars – and managed to create a curriculum that was cohesive, meaningful, and tailored to each of us. Really, you’re a brilliant teacher!

You gave us more than just knowledge – you provided a space to learn from you, from each other, and from ourselves. You made room for hard questions and deep reflection, and you helped us explore our Jewish identities …

Thanks to YOU, our B’nai Mitzvah journey was better than we could have imagined. You helped us shine individually and grow together. You kept us connected, moving forward, and made it seem effortless (we know it wasn’t). Thank you so much for what you’ve done – we’re so grateful. You’ve left a lasting imprint on our Jewish lives.

With much love and appreciation,

Bobbie, Randie & Lisa”