I started the Read Hebrew Prep School as part of this journey. Over the years, I have shared recordings of my Hebrew reading lessons with Bar/Bat Mitzvah students, and to put it simply, the recorded lessons worked – and quickly too! Inspired by these successes, as well as the growing possibilities of online learning, I began to create a fully virtual course that has worked for students of all ages.

To reach even more students, I also founded the Bar Mitzvah Prep School. The time leading up to Bar Mitzvah is a wonderful opportunity for young students to learn about the universality of Judaism. I’ve always been able to explain complex topics clearly – and get right to their core and meaning. This was my exact approach with these virtual Bar Mitzvah prep lessons – each designed to guide students through a simple experience that spotlights Judaism as the deep, rich, and relevant gift that it is.

I know parents and students alike appreciate the opportunity to get to know their child’s teacher, so here’s a little bit more about me…I am the father of 9 children, a published author, creator of the Beginning Within (learn more here), and Rabbi of my synagogue in Newtown, PA, where I have specialized in teen and adult education. My teaching approach includes a blend of psychology, spirituality, clarity, conviction, and a passion for finding the right story to help students see the meaning of Judaism in their own lives.

I am a former member of the editorial board of the Jewish Learning Institute and have been a featured lecturer at the National Jewish Retreat.