Coming of Age Celebrations - Joyful, Personal, Meaningful
"It’s an amazing service that you do. Concise, emotional, thought-provoking. Just perfect. It was a joy to see Bess up there. She learned so much — for which I’m also incredibly grateful." ~Alison Pollet
The heart of the matter...
There is deep value in marking a young person's coming of age. As students grapple with issues of identity, responsibility and their place in the larger world, Judaism offers an opportunity for discovery using lessons from history and issues relevant to their lives. Over the course of a year, in 1:1 lessons CJL provides both a specific and general education tailored to the unique needs of each family. In addition to text preparation, a broader survey of Jewish life is examined through film, literature and current events.
The CJL Bar or Bat Mitzvah one hour ceremony, is mostly held on Saturday evenings. It may include three Torah aliyot, a talk given by the student, blessings from parents, friends and relatives and meaningful additions (poetry, music, movement, film) to personalize and enhance the celebration. The ceremonies represent the capstone of a year of inquiry, learning and personal exploration, where each lesson is geared toward success.
Celebrations are held at a venue of the family's choosing - - hotels, restaurants, art and conference centers, back yards (especially during Covid), university campuses, museums, and/or parks.
What the people are saying...
"This is a long overdue but hugely heartfelt thank you for all of your wonderful work with Sylvie. You hit every right note while leading her service and we are deeply grateful for your support, warmth, and validation of her choice to lead a Jewish life no matter when. Thank you again!!"
~Dana Kadish
"While we weren't sure how a Zoom Bat Mitzvah would turn out, we were incredibly pleased with the service. Many family and friends were able to participate which made it even more special. It was more powerful and meaningful than we could have anticipated. Our guest were extremely moved by the service and it lifted their spirits during these difficult times."
~Lisa Sage
"The service was absolutely perfect; and you guided and led the ceremony we had always imagined. Your joy, gravitas and spirit filled the space."
~ Debbie Krivoy, Jenn Einhorn
"And a thousand thanks from the parents! We so appreciate your skill at meeting each of our children where they needed to be met!"
~Helen and Josh Abrams
"I just wanted to thank you again. You truly transformed our Bar Mitzvah experience. It was a more meaningful personal experience than I ever imagined. The weekly lessons that were far more interesting and challenging than simply learning the Parsha and service - they made Auggie's Jewish education so much more deep and expansive. The service which you adeptly designed and customized for our family and friends was perfect, even our slip ups, made the gathering more jovial and sweet."
~Shoshannah Weinberg
"Thank you enormously. It couldn't have been a more meaningful beautiful service. And all the comments I got from everyone including some family naysayers, remarked how wonderful they thought it was. Some of the people said they'd been to so many bat mitzvahs and this was their favorite." ~ Katherine Weinstein
"Several guests told us it was the best bar mitzvah they've ever been to. And 'this is what a bar mitzvah should be.' Personal, intimate, laid back, joyful. Exactly what we wanted."
~ Joanna Grand, David Marlin
"Life cycle events can be joyous and stressful; Alison emphasizes the joy and helps smooth over the stress. She listened to my family's needs and was able to meet us where we are in terms of practice and personality style. Can't recommend her more highly."
~ Naomi Schulman
There is deep value in marking a young person's coming of age. As students grapple with issues of identity, responsibility and their place in the larger world, Judaism offers an opportunity for discovery using lessons from history and issues relevant to their lives. Over the course of a year, in 1:1 lessons CJL provides both a specific and general education tailored to the unique needs of each family. In addition to text preparation, a broader survey of Jewish life is examined through film, literature and current events.
The CJL Bar or Bat Mitzvah one hour ceremony, is mostly held on Saturday evenings. It may include three Torah aliyot, a talk given by the student, blessings from parents, friends and relatives and meaningful additions (poetry, music, movement, film) to personalize and enhance the celebration. The ceremonies represent the capstone of a year of inquiry, learning and personal exploration, where each lesson is geared toward success.
Celebrations are held at a venue of the family's choosing - - hotels, restaurants, art and conference centers, back yards (especially during Covid), university campuses, museums, and/or parks.
What the people are saying...
"This is a long overdue but hugely heartfelt thank you for all of your wonderful work with Sylvie. You hit every right note while leading her service and we are deeply grateful for your support, warmth, and validation of her choice to lead a Jewish life no matter when. Thank you again!!"
~Dana Kadish
"While we weren't sure how a Zoom Bat Mitzvah would turn out, we were incredibly pleased with the service. Many family and friends were able to participate which made it even more special. It was more powerful and meaningful than we could have anticipated. Our guest were extremely moved by the service and it lifted their spirits during these difficult times."
~Lisa Sage
"The service was absolutely perfect; and you guided and led the ceremony we had always imagined. Your joy, gravitas and spirit filled the space."
~ Debbie Krivoy, Jenn Einhorn
"And a thousand thanks from the parents! We so appreciate your skill at meeting each of our children where they needed to be met!"
~Helen and Josh Abrams
"I just wanted to thank you again. You truly transformed our Bar Mitzvah experience. It was a more meaningful personal experience than I ever imagined. The weekly lessons that were far more interesting and challenging than simply learning the Parsha and service - they made Auggie's Jewish education so much more deep and expansive. The service which you adeptly designed and customized for our family and friends was perfect, even our slip ups, made the gathering more jovial and sweet."
~Shoshannah Weinberg
"Thank you enormously. It couldn't have been a more meaningful beautiful service. And all the comments I got from everyone including some family naysayers, remarked how wonderful they thought it was. Some of the people said they'd been to so many bat mitzvahs and this was their favorite." ~ Katherine Weinstein
"Several guests told us it was the best bar mitzvah they've ever been to. And 'this is what a bar mitzvah should be.' Personal, intimate, laid back, joyful. Exactly what we wanted."
~ Joanna Grand, David Marlin
"Life cycle events can be joyous and stressful; Alison emphasizes the joy and helps smooth over the stress. She listened to my family's needs and was able to meet us where we are in terms of practice and personality style. Can't recommend her more highly."
~ Naomi Schulman
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