Endorsements of Our Program

Online Hebrew Lessons – July  2023

“Rebecca is amazing. Henry has a great relationship with her and looks forward to their weekly sessions. It is amazing how he never forgets his Hebrew tutoring/practice, the way he can often “forget” other homework 😉 The whole process has been nothing but positive for our whole family.”
– Amanda

Online B” Mitzvah Class – June 2023

I just wanted to drop a note to let you know how grateful we are for finding you, Rabbi Alan, and Rebecca. I think Lily came away from the entire experience with a deeper understanding and sense of being Jewish. We most definitely want to stay affiliated in some capacity – either remotely or in person!
– Sheryl

Adventure B” Mitzvah Class- May 2023

I teach at Prospect Ridge Academy in Broomfield, and I encounter teenagers who have graduated from your program. They excitedly share stories about their experiences in the class. They love the program and come out of it invested in their Judaism. These kids go on to attend Jewish camps, join your teen group, and keep coming back for your retreats. I want my children to have a similar experience and learn to love their Judaism, so I would like to sign them up when they are old enough.

– Kelly

Adventure Bar Mitzvah Class- May 2021

I just wanted to thank you again for the wonderful Bar Mitzvah experience we shared with you at Logan’s Bar Mitzvah last weekend. The two most memorable things about the weekend were the uniqueness and beauty of the service and the fact that it happened at all. Your program allows Jewish kids like Logan to connect with their Jewish heritage, and you should be very proud of the excellent work you do to provide this opportunity.

– Proud Grandfather Lou Lessen, Golden CO

Lou’s grandson Logan participated in our expedition-style Adventure B’nai Mitzvah Class. He also studied Hebrew weekly with our tutor, David, based in Denver.

Bar Mitzvah after Online Class – April 2021

From start to finish, our experience with Adventure Rabbi has been nothing but a pleasure. We were looking for a meaningful but modern Bar Mitzvah experience for our son, and we weren’t impressed by the local options in the Bay Area. When we first met with Rabbi Jamie via Zoom, we were instantly impressed by her refreshing and welcoming approach to Judaism and the purpose of the Bar Mitzvah study.

The flexibility offered by being able to do both the group study and tutoring online was something that appealed to us as a busy family. Since this has been their way of operating for many years, everything was seamless and easy. Our son immensely enjoyed his group study meetings and connecting with other teens going through the same bar and bat mitzvah process. Additionally, his tutor, Janeice, was able to take him from zero knowledge of Hebrew to a significant level of comfort with the language and culture in an enjoyable way.

Most importantly, having Rabbi Jamie bring her backpacking Torah to participate in our son’s in-person bar mitzvah with our family and friends was a truly memorable and unique experience. We had many people for whom this was their first bar mitzvah, as well as a large number of people viewing the service remotely, and she made everyone feel welcome and included. It was a day we will all remember, and we can’t imagine having had our son’s bar mitzvah any other way.

– Alexis, San Jose CA

Alexis’s son Kyan participated in our online, monthly Bar Mitzvah class with kids from all over the country. He also studied Hebrew weekly with our tutor, Janeice, based in OK. Rabbi Jamie flew to San Jose for the service, and then we all celebrated with a fun pizza and ice cream lunch.

Zoom Mitzvah – May 2020

“Rabbi Jamie, thank you so much for facilitating and leading such a wonderful simcha today. Our phones have not stopped buzzing with notes from friends and family saying how much they loved the whole experience. We’re so grateful to you for helping make it possible!”
– Hannah M. California

Hannah and Criag’s daughter participated in our online/ distance learning program. She completed her Hebrew and Values studies online, did a Shabbat and Tikkun Olam project at home, and collaborated with Rabbi Jamie to write her speeches. Finally, her service was held in her backyard with guests Zooming in from three continents. It was a magnificent day.

Bar Mitzvah – January 2020

Bar Mitzvah in D.C. – January 2020

“We and so many of those at the bar mitzvah are still filled with an amazing feeling of inspiration from all that occurred.

I notice that we are missing you’re being with us. Something very special happened over those few days

Just want to thank you again and again.” – Jay G.

Bat Yisrael Training with Rabbi Lynne – May 2020

Hebrew Lessons Online

“Thank you, Rabbi Jamie!  Leila no longer has resistance to taking Hebrew lessons.  You’re awesome! – Hillary B.

Bat Mitzvah in Boulder CO  – September 2017

Zoom Bar Mitzvah – June 2020

“Although this was a remote bat mitzvah, we actually felt that it was more intimate and special in many ways.  You let us all come as ourselves and bring you into our living rooms and our real lives (and all the real humor that comes with them).” -Pete, Alice, Zoey, and Rae

18-Person, “Social-Distanced” Bar Mitzvah in Palo Alto, CA  – June 2020

B’nai Mitzvah in Carmel CA – July  2019

“This whole experience surpassed all of our expectations. I broke down in tears as the ceremony started, filled with so much emotion that this vision of the perfect beach-side Bar and Bat Mitzvah for our interfaith family was coming to fruition and was even more magical than I could have ever conjured.

My husband, who rarely wears his heart on his sleeve, couldn’t help but well up witnessing the kids share everything they have learned and having his parents join in via FaceTime. He told me afterward how your words and approach felt so inclusive for him and his family, and specifically pointed to your words about how it was not about the actual translation of the Hebrew words that mattered, but the fact that the kids were saying the same words that our ancestors spoke a thousand years before.

Having the kids read from the Torah as all of their loved ones held the scroll was incredibly meaningful. My parents are still gushing and are so proud. Thank you for your creativity in dreaming up Adventure Rabbi. I feel so grateful that I stumbled upon a New York Times article so many years ago when the kids were still toddlers and knew that one day we were meant to cross paths.”
-Dana H.

This Extended Family Is Now on Student #3

I so appreciate what you offer young families.  The Bar and Bat Mitzvahs in my family would not be happening if it were not for you and your creative program.  It means so much to me that this generation has a grounding in their Jewishness.  In this crazy world knowing our community, our tribe, where we belong and the wisdom of that heritage is so important for young people trying to find themselves.  So I am thankful that you are there.   – Reggie G.