Tour Guiding in Jerusalem and throughout Israel; Bat and Bar Mitzvah services at Robinson's Arch or other sites
My boutique, custom-made lifecycle events will leave lasting memories of joy and connection.
It is especially comfortable for girls to work with a female rabbi on their bat mitzvah ceremony.
Contact me here for bnei mitzvah services and/or tutoring, tour guiding in Jerusalem and throughout Israel, weddings, Torah classes, Hebrew lessons, or my handmade Judaica /pottery gifts.
Rav Miriam - your guide to Israel and lifecycle events
Personalized bat and bar mitzvah - at any age!
The ceremony is the core of a bar or bat mitzvah trip to Israel. My boutique, custom-made bat or bar mitzvah experiences will leave lasting memories of pride, joy and connection with Israel, for your child and all the family and friends who share in the celebration.
Before the trip we will choose a venue that matches your background and style and I will get to know you and your child, plan the service and review their learning. After you arrive in Israel, we will again review the service and logistics, involving family and friends. The bar or bat mitzvah will receive a unique certificate designed by a local artist. My pastoral experience will help navigate family dynamics that often surface during important occasions. I can advise on ideas for touring, photographer etc. so you can relax and enjoy.
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I am also a certified tour guide and would love to weave the ceremony into a well-crafted tour adapted to your interests. Animals and hiking? Meeting cool Israelis? Hi-tech? Art? History? Archeology? Great food? Challenge sports? Volunteering? Learning? Let's create a one-of-a-kind bnei mitzvah experience for your family.
Boutique weddings
Yes, it's possible to "dance at two weddings" blending the moving aspects of a traditional Jewish wedding with modern adjustments: personal vows, female friends as speakers, and a more active role for the bride. Unlike a rabbinate wedding, you can meet with me beforehand and create a service matching your values and vision. (A couple married by a Conservative rabbi do not count as married under Israeli law, but you can have a civil service elsewhere or else consider it a benefit that you will not be governed by certain problematic laws. There are many stunning locations in Jerusalem, near the beach, at synagogues or museums, or at beautiful hotels.
I can also join you for a "destination wedding" and arrange for a local marriage license.
I wrote a popular book on Mikveh (Taking the Plunge: A Practical and Spiritual Guide to the Mikveh) and can explain this beautiful part of the pre-wedding preparations as well as facilitate important conversations that can clarify expectations and strengthen you as a couple. Contact me to get started!
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Explore Israel
Discover unique travel experiences tailored for bar/bat mitzvah, families, women, Christian pilgrims, interfaith groups, and or business groups.
Let's craft specialty tours based on your areas of interest.
Expert Guides
I have a BA from Harvard, advanced degrees in Jewish studies, and am an a published author. I also bring knowledge of Christianity and Islam, Israel's natural resources, challenges and ideals.
Customized Trips
Create your dream vacation: outdoor adventure, history, geography, archeology, hi-tech, wine / culinary, or meeting speakers from Israel's mosaic of cultures.
Support & Safety
Your safety and well-being are our priority. We take care of all the logistics and ensure that you travel with peace of mind. Sunscreen and water? flat tire? lost passport? first aid? We have it all covered.
About Rabbi Miriam
I am a Conservative Rabbi, educator and writer from Montreal; I have lived in Canada, UK, USA and Israel (20 years in Israel). I have a BA from Harvard, an MA and Rabbinic Ordination from the Schechter Institute in Jerusalem, and a Doctorate of Theology in Clinical Pastoral Counseling from the University of Theology and Spirituality. I am one of the few Israelis with chaplaincy certification from both the National (Neshama) Association for Jewish Chaplains and the Israeli Organization for Spiritual Care. I co-founded Kashouvot in 2010 to pioneer spiritual care in Israel, served as a consultant and as international coordinator of the NY-based Spiritual Care Association, mentoring chaplains worldwide, and currently work part-time as Development Director at Kol HaNeshama in addition to tour guiding, writing, teaching, and performing lifecycle events.
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I began doing weddings and bat and bar mitzvah teaching and ceremonies as Assistant Rabbi at Park Avenue Synagogue in Manhattan. I have performed weddings in Israel, the US and Canada. It is a privilege to be part of memorable events in people's lives., and I would be happy to assist you craft your perfect event and/or tour of Israel. Press here to begin the conversation.
Testimonials
What Families Are Saying about Bar and Bat Mitzvah
Anne and Jeffrey Levy, Brooklyn
“We had the honor of working with Rabbi Miriam for our son’s Bar Mitzvah at the Kotel in Jerusalem, and we cannot recommend her highly enough. From the moment we connected, she was warm, kind, and deeply professional. The evening before the ceremony, she met with us in person to walk through the service, patiently answering all of our questions and making sure everyone felt comfortable and prepared. The ceremony itself was beautiful and deeply moving—thoughtful, inclusive, and truly meaningful for our family. Rabbi Miriam brought such warmth and intention to every moment. It was everything we had hoped for and more. We are so grateful to her for helping create such a special and unforgettable experience. We wholeheartedly recommend Rabbi Miriam to anyone planning a Bar or Bat Mitzvah in Jerusalem."
Allison Carmen, Manhattan
"Thank you thank you thank you! I could not have imagined a nicer service. The southern wall was intimate and personal. I so appreciated the time that you spent explaining the service as well as leading us in prayer and meditation. The sounds of drums and songs in the background were perfect. The western wall was loud and chaotic. We loved it! Thank you for being so open, flexible and creative with the service. It was so special for Morgan and the rest of the family. You are a beautiful person and I feel very blessed to have crossed paths."
Myrna Smith, Toronto
"Rabbi Miriam, I have wanted to become Bat Mitzvah for many decades and I finally had the chance to do it at Robinson’s Arch with you officiating and a group of ten dear friends. Thank you for making my dream a reality! It was exactly what I had hoped for. My heart is full, and I am leaving Israel on a high, hopefully to return again soon."
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What Clients Are Saying about Coaching/Pastoral Care
Rabbi M., USA
Amidst the tumult of personal and professional demands, working with Miriam provides a supportive space to discern my challenges clearly and to determine intentional and constructive responses. Miriam's insight and intuition, creativity and compassion help me to live and work more effectively and with greater ease, satisfaction and meaning.
M. J., Jerusalem
Over the past few months, Miriam has helped me cut out the clutter in my life- literally and physically. I have refocused on things that are most important to me and tried to cut out things that take time and energy from them. Miriam's gentle suggestions encourage me to be my best self. I am proud of the steps I have made and optimistic about continuing to focus and excel.
F. W., Brussels, Belgium
Just knowing that I will talk to you on Tuesday makes me more proactive about following up on the steps we have set. you are supportive and non-judgmental, you help me set realistic yet optimistic goals. After just two sessions I landed a dream job, and I know this is just the beginning of growth in my personal and professional life.
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Custom-made Torah classes for individuals or groups, scholar in residence, lectures and Shabbat experiences for tour groups of all backgrounds.
Judaism is a culture and an ethnicity. It is also a treasure trove of legends, laws, values and traditions
designed to create more ethical people and communities.
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Precisely during these times of tumult and uncertainty, people of all ages and backgrounds
are delving deeper into their heritage, as a response to antisemitism and a wish to proactively explore,
engage with, and pass on this rich heritage.
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Make the tradition your own...​ Empower yourself to teach others...
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Learn the basics of Jewish history, classic texts, ethical ideas and rituals...
Feel comfortable at a service or just deepen your connection...
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I offer scholar in residence workshops, Rosh Hodesh groups, private or group classes for families, elders, students, teens, teachers, etc.
in English, Hebrew, French, Italian, and Russian.
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Hebrew?
Jewish text, law, literature, customs?
Israel's history, geography, minorities, spy stories, music, ethical dilemmas, laws?
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Pottery: Miriam's Cups
Bringing spirit to functional objects: Handmade customized Judaica
My work reconnects to the ancient art of handmade ceramics in the land of Israel, inviting clients to design their own Judaica with themes, colors and shapes that reflect their values. I celebrate creativity as a divine gift and aim to elevate rituals with beautiful objects created intentionally for sacred use.
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You can restore mealtimes to focused times of fellowship and gratitude where people eat slowly and savor the food with all the senses, including the sense of touch. Using handmade, pleasing vessels can enhance the quality of a meal and make it an event rather than a rushed few moments. Enjoying handmade plates, cups, dishes, serving bowls makes every meal a celebration.
My style is simple, classic, inspired by Japanese pottery and the fruits of the Land of Israel. I use mainly shades of blues and greens with the occasional different glaze inside or spontaneous splash of color. I create:
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High-end Judaica (seder plates, havdala sets, Kiddush cups, handwashing cups, etc.) for personal use or gifts for bar/ bat mitzvah, baby-naming, brit, wedding
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Functional sets of dinnerware, vases, bowls etc. for individuals, retreat centers, hotels, nursing homes, restaurants
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Sculpture combining wheel thrown and hand built elements
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Special commissions: portraits in clay
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About the artist:
A native of Montreal, I entered the magic world of pottery in 1997 with a class by Magdalena Chefetz in Jerusalem. I studied at the 92Y in New York and the Boca Raton Museum, and I learned from Bezalel Art School graduates in Jerusalem, including an intensive year at the Cubia Center for emerging artists.
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For orders: ravmiriam@gmail.com
Look forward to hearing from you!
