BAR/BAT MITZVAH LESSONS
In-Person & Online

A "traditional" Bar/Bat Mitzvah is celebrated on Shabbat morning in a synagogue setting. 

     ________________________________

Your child is trained with individually designed one-on-one lessons that are generally 30–60 minutes in length. Sessions can be conducted both in-person (if living in the greater Boston area) as well as online using a screen-sharing program. Your child also will receive a digital recording of their Bar/Bat Mitzvah to use as a learning aide.

When a traditional Bar/Bat Mitzvah conducted in a synagogue setting on a Saturday Shabbat morning is NOT what your child is looking for, there are many alternative approaches that we can discuss to come up with the best solution.

       _________________________________

Joel Sussman began his “professional” career in Jewish music as a founding member, performer, and co-song writer for the internationally acclaimed Jewish musical group – SAFAM. Joel has also served for many years as a High Holiday Cantor at Temple Israel of  Natick, Massachusetts. 

Joel has years of experience in preparing young people for their Bar or Bat Mitzvah. He not only trains students to chant their Haftarah, but also Torah reading, leading morning services, and instruction in general synagogue skills. 

              Educational Goals

Our goal is to make the Bar/Bat Mitzvah experience a familiar and comfortable one that will leave your child feeling at home and at ease in any synagogue or alternative prayer setting. Lessons are conducted in a relaxed way that makes it enjoyable for your child. Throughout the process, it is also important to keep you, the parents, informed on your child's progress.

Joel was a wonderful teacher - lessons were engaging and he was easy to work with. Joel was not only able to infuse his humor, compassion and respect into our studies but inspired me - I now tutor the next generation of bar/bat mitzvah students. His endless support and commitment was appreciated by my entire family.

                             Dana L.

                             former student

As Rabbi and then Rabbi Laureate at Temple Israel, Natick, MA from 1966-2016, it was my good fortune to officiate at High Holiday services with Joel Sussman as Cantor. It was a total pleasure. He has a fine, strong voice, knows the liturgy, and has my unqualified recommendation.

                            Rabbi Harold Kushner

Joel prepared our son for his Bar Mitzvah and we couldn't have asked for a better teacher, coach and cheerleader. He made sure that our son learned how to "Leyn", not just memorize his parsha. As Joel built a great relationship with our son, practicing became an enjoyable activity rather than a chore, and he looked forward to their weekly sessions. In addition to the actual Torah reading, Joel also made sure that our son understood the mechanics and choreography of the Torah  reading from where to stand to how to project one's voice. Joel is first rate and we highly recommend him.

                          Barbara & Arthur S.

                          parents of Bar Mitzvah