In Judaism, any community member can officiate a service so Melissa would officiate your service/ceremony, unless otherwise discussed. Fun fact: in Judaism you only need a rabbi for funerals.
Melissa is ordained by the universal life church to officiate weddings.
It depends on the child’s skill set. If your child has no previous Hebrew experience, at least 12 months are needed for Hebrew mastery and the “bigger” discussions.. If the child has learning differences, a hectic sports schedule, or big vacations/ sleep away camp to accommodate for, up to 18 months. If your child already knows the service/has previous Hebrew experience, as little as 8 months is possible. Melissa can assess this time line in depth within a month of starting lessons.
Yes! Melissa has traveled all over the world to officiate both b-mitzvahs and weddings. If you want to turn your family vacation into a simcha, or are located outside of LA, Melissa can make it happen.
Rachel can create a one of a kind booklet for your service. Rachel charges a flat design fee and then it is up to the family if they want to print the booklets or project them to save paper and resources. If you would prefer to rent/print a standard booklet without any customization, the file is available for purchase.
We do not discriminate at M3! Anyone 13 years or older can participate in reading Torah and leading a service for the first time.
Because of so many families holding space due to lock down, Melissa has officiated services for teens up to age 18.
Many parents are now joining their children in the service if they never had their own b mitzvah.
That’s ok! Melissa works primarily with families that are unaffiliated with a synagogue and want to create a service and community all their own.
Melissa has worked with many synagogues to tutor kids that cannot attend Hebrew school regularly and just need a boost, if you prefer to have the service be at the synagogue you belong to.
Melissa can work with you to create the exact type of service you want no questions asked. From a full Shacharit service to a Live Action Roleplay service, and anywhere in between, it’s possible!
Yes! And is sometimes preferred for the child.
Yes! Melissa has access to a Kosher Torah, and 2 non Kosher torahs. One has the trope (melodic markings) and vowels still in it for students that need assistance, the other is a traditional torah but it is digitally printed, not written by a rabbi, that is perfect for travel.
No, we only work on the Judaic elements with your family. We fully recommend RAH events or Cobalt events as great party planners! Melissa can help you find a planner to work with if the previously listed are booked for the date of your event.
Tips or gifts in any service industry are greatly appreciated but not required.
If you are considering leaving a tip, please don’t forget musicians and the sound team, planners/vendors, etc.
It is required, because after your child has put in so much work to learn the service, the last thing you want is an airplane, siren, or screaming baby to detract from the service. Plus live mixing on a soundboard is a must.
Melissa works with several A/V teams available to hire for sound, zoom, slide show projections, and more.
In the LA or Philadelphia areas Melissa can give many recommendations on venues. If you live outside of these areas, Melissa can let you know the style she recommends, but has not seen venues in person.
Both options are great. In the past, clients have preferred the afternoon/evening.. This way, you just need to rent one venue for a b-mitzvah/wedding to have the service go right into the reception.
Yes! Please contact Melissa for all services and questions you have. She can officiate any type of service and teach any age.
Melissa is located in the San Fernando Valley of Los Angeles, she can come to your house for in-person lessons within the LA area.
Melissa offers virtual lessons for students all over the world, if we learned anything from lockdown, it’s how accessible education should be!
Melissa’s rates are much lower than membership dues to a synagogue, plus Hebrew School, and B-mitzvah fees combined. Please reach out to Melissa and she can discuss pricing with you and anything she can offer for financial need.
Yes! If you refer a family that retains Melissa’s services, she will deduct $25 off of all remaining lessons/meetings. Etc.