Testimonials

We had a wonderful experience working with Melissa on our kids' b'nai mitzvah! Melissa thoughtfully crafted a completely custom service that uniquely fit our family, and also managed to hit all of the important, traditional elements. She took into consideration our cultural and religious preferences, and also the unique personalities of each child to create an impactful and inclusive service that we will remember forever. We definitely had stress about making sure that our kids' had a meaningful b'nai mitzvah experience since we don't belong to a synagogue and went a somewhat "untraditional" route. Melissa was the perfect person to guide our whole family through the journey and we're so grateful! 

— Sandy M., Brooklyn

I cannot recommend Melissa highly enough as a bat mitzvah tutor! Both of my kids had the privilege of learning from her, and the experience was nothing short of extraordinary. Melissa has a unique ability to connect with students, making the learning process engaging, meaningful, and enjoyable.

Her deep knowledge of Jewish traditions, combined with a patient and personalized teaching approach, ensured that my children not only mastered their Torah portions but also developed a genuine appreciation for their heritage. Melissa was incredibly organized, providing clear and structured lessons while being flexible to accommodate our family's schedule.

My kids felt confident and well-prepared for their ceremonies, and we received numerous compliments on their performances. If you're looking for a tutor who will make your child's bat mitzvah journey memorable and enriching, look no further than Melissa Zimmerman.  

— Simone B., Brooklyn

Melissa Zimmerman is an exceptional tutor, who not only teaches with passion and skill, but invests in the success of each of her students with the utmost care.  She makes the process meaningful, personal, and fun.  Melissa not only taught our daughter Hebrew, but guided her spiritual journey as a Bat Mitzvah, so that she not only understood and appreciated the Torah, but was able to make a meaningful connection to her own life.  Melissa's talents are astounding and she also supported every step of the preparation of our service and helped us prepare our siddur for the most beautiful ceremony.  Our daughter looked forward to every lesson and prepared with great confidence and joy. 

— Rita P., Manhattan

Our son attends a Jewish summer camp, but we are not affiliated with a synagogue. We encouraged our son to become a Bar Mitzvah, but we did not force it. Once he made his decision, we set out to find a tutor who could not only teach him Hebrew (beginning with the aleph-bet) and prepare him for his Torah portion, but would also teach the stories of our people and about the responsibilities of becoming a Jewish adult.

Melissa guided him through a year of studies over Zoom, which she made very easy and enjoyable for all of us. We loved hearing him answer her questions, giggling, practicing his Hebrew, and chanting his portion while they met virtually and then seeing their natural connection when she officiated his ceremony.

Melissa is kind, respectful, flexible, and incredibly talented as a teacher and officiant. We already booked her for our daughter’s mitzvah next year!

— Pamela S., Jersey City

Our family was referred to Melissa by another Hebrew school family for our daughter Daisy’s May 2024 Bat Mitzvah. Melissa is a warm and caring teacher who connected with Daisy over months of tutoring her Torah portion and D’var Torah. Melissa sang with our daughter, was patient with her, and helped increase her Hebrew confidence. And, Melissa helped us plan a beautiful and meaningful reception and party including her own delicious “cuppies” (cupcakes with cookies in the middle!). We’re so grateful to have shared our family’s special occasion with Melissa. We couldn’t have done it without her!

— The K-Z family, Brooklyn

Our daughter had such a positive and meaningful experience working with Melissa as she prepared to become a bat mitzvah.  Melissa always led with encouragement and positive feedback and employed a variety of teaching techniques to help Bertie learn the prayers, songs, and to read and interpret her Torah portion.   Melissa worked with our whole family to create a meaningful ceremony for our daughter that culminated in leading the service.  And most importantly, my daughter really values the relationship she developed with Melissa.  

— Susie and Adam H., Brooklyn