Bar Mitzvah Bat Mitzvah in Israel
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Celebrate!
“Memorable, magical and mystical are words that come to mind when we reflect on our grandson’s bar mitzvah in Jerusalem. Rabbi Matthew Berkowitz is kind, sensitive and knowledgeable, and conducted a meaningful, personal Shacharit service for the bar mitzvah.
Three generations of our family as well as Israeli relatives actively participated in the joyful service.“
Barbara and Hal Crane, New Jersey
Experience a Once in a Lifetime Celebration
Celebrating becoming Bar Mitzvah or Bat Mitzvah in Israel is the most meaningful and unforgettable way to commemorate becoming an adult in the Jewish tradition. Four thousand years of Jewish history come alive as these young adults, along with their families, walk and internalize the miracle of Israel. Rabbi Berkowitz officiates at Bar/Bat Mitzvah celebrations throughout the country; he organizes b’nai mitzvah at Robinson’s Arch (The Western Wall), Masada, or The Goldman Promenade.
Ceremonies are deeply personal and festive, guided by a commitment to Jewish tradition and egalitarianism, and are thoughtfully tailored to each family. Rabbi Berkowitz works with Conservative, Reform, Modern Orthodox and non-affiliated families. Every child celebrating receives two special gifts as well as a personalized, signed certificate recognizing their celebration in Israel.
Please contact Rabbi Matt Berkowitz for honorarium, questions and availability. You are welcome and encouraged to have an introductory conversation to see if he is the ‘right fit’ for your family.
After receiving all logistical information and deciding to move ahead, please fill out this form so an official reservation can be made in your name.
As you approach the ‘big day,’ please fill out this form for assigning honors here.
Testimonials
“Rabbi Matt Berkowitz led us through an experience of a lifetime! He worked with our son before the bar mitzvah, preparing him for his big day. Later he guided our entire family through the momentous occasion!”
Holly & Albert Baril, Los Angeles
From a Mother of a Bat Mitzvah During the Pandemic:
“Having a Bat Mitzvah during these hard times may seem difficult. But with a rabbi like Rabbi Berkowitz, anything is possible during any time of year no matter the circumstances. He truly made Natalie’s Bat Mitzvah unforgettable!!
Our original plan for Natalie’s Bat Mitzvah was to visit Israel. However, when the coronavirus outbreak began, we knew this was impossible. Yet, when we got in touch with Rabbi Berkowitz, the impossible felt possible. Yes, maybe we weren’t there in Israel in person, but we had a fantastic rabbi showing us the Western Wall, gradually revealing its history, and elegantly driving our ceremony. This Bat Mitzvah connected us to so many parts of the world, which would not be possible without this rabbi.
He even added a personal touch to the event, something else that was truly admirable. Because our family is large, it would be hard to give everyone the same gratitude during the event. But, like everything else, he managed to do this, and miraculously too. Every member of my family felt equally respected and mentioned in the ceremony, and he did so elegantly. When he was in Israel, we felt a connection- not just that we went to Israel, but that Israel came to us. . .
Not only did he provide an eye into Israel for everyone that joined our virtual Bat Mitzvah, but he also made beautiful works of art such as a personalized certificate and Haggadah. We were lucky to find a Rabbi and an artist, a kind-hearted and young-spirited man, and a man willing to devote his time to tailor it to the individual. Every one of his personal traits made their appearance during the event, which enlightened me and all the guests. But what I truly find most memorable about rabbi is how he managed to do everything so flawlessly and so timely. He understood Natalie’s personality and framed the bat mitzvah accordingly.
Do you know how blood type O is a universal donor? Well, I don’t know Rabbi Berkowitz’s blood type, but I know that he is a universal donor to all Bnai Mitzvah, and he will understand all their personalities and put on a one-of-a-kind event. Our family cannot thank Rabbi Berkowitz enough!!!”
Victoria Preys, New York
“We absolutely loved working with Rabbi Berkowitz for our son’s Bar Mitzvah. He made the process very seamless, from scheduling the date to arriving the morning of the Bar Mitzvah. Rabbi Berkowitz is very approachable and easy for kids to work with. We had great meetings with Rabbi Berkowitz prior to the big day. Everything went as smoothly as it could be that morning. Our son’s Bar Mitzvah service was beautiful and meaningful thanks to Rabbi Berkowitz.”
Holly & Albert Baril, Los Angeles
“Memorable, magical and mystical are words that come to mind when we reflect on our grandson’s bar mitzvah in Jerusalem. Rabbi Matthew Berkowitz is kind, sensitive and knowledgeable, and conducted a meaningful, personal Shacharit service for the bar mitzvah. Three generations of our family as well as Israeli relatives actively participated in the joyful service.”
Barbara and Hal Crane, New Jersey
“Having my Bar Mitzvah at the Wall in Jerusalem was probably the highlight of my life. As a child we were too poor for me to have a Bar Mitzvah, and many times I planned to come to Israel. Finally I was able to do so, and my childhood best friend was able to travel with me and be involved in my special day. I asked a close friend how I could find a Rabbi in Israel. I had gone to all of their children’s Bnei Mitzvah and wedding and Matthew officiated. Matthew was amazing, he made the whole event even more special, pointing out historical details at the site and totally organizing the event — even arranging for my Minyan, who were all great. It was a very meaningful event, made even more special and amazing by having Matthew as my Rabbi.”
Tony Mackin, California
“Our daughter’s Bat Mitzvah was simply perfect the way we had envisioned it thanks to Rabbi Berkowitz. While we would have loved for more of our family and friends back home to celebrate with us, it was more important that our daughter had a meaningful ceremony that connected her to her history, roots, and religion. Rabbi Berkowitz made sure that was the case. He selected the perfect location and helped with all the preparation to ensure the ceremony was beautiful and memorable. We look forward to working with him in the future. Thank you, Rabbi Berkowitz!”
Mai Le and Arkady Libman, Massachusetts
