I started the Bar Mitzvah Prep School as part of this journey, because 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 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 like 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.

My book, It’s Within You: A Detailed Road Map to Igniting, Deeper Self-Worth, Richer Relationships, and Greater Personal Freedom, was published in 2019. It was written to serve as a guide to living a life you create and direct – not one dictated by others or circumstances. It all comes down to one simple – but not always easy – shift in thinking: Stop expecting others to change, and work on changing yourself. The book supports your journey in making this shift – with tangible guidance for harnessing a new, stronger self-worth.