Guiding the Next Generation — One Mitzvah At A Time!
B’nai Mitzvah & Hebrew School
Orton-Gillingham Certified
Customized Education
Guiding the Next Generation —
One Mitzvah At A Time!
B’nai Mitzvah
& Hebrew School
Orton-Gillingham Certified
Customized Education
// Why Choose Joanne's Home Hebrew School (JHHS)
“Real World” Judaism
B’nai Mitzvah Tutoring
Personalized classes or 1:1 tutorings for B’nai Mitzvah.
Meaningful Role Guidance
Helping each child understand the significance of their role
Heritage & B’nai Mitzvah
Learning our shared culture while becoming a B’nai Mitzvah
// About Joanne
A Passion for Teaching
With more than 24 years of experience in Judaic education, I bring a creative and experiential approach to teaching. I believe that an appreciation of Judaism begins at home, where values take root and grow. That’s why my school is based in my home—offering a dedicated classroom within a warm, authentic environment that reflects “real world” Judaism as it is lived every day.
Judiasm can look different as each family incorporates their own traditions. I help students look into the many ways Jews express themselves. Looking from where we came from and deciding where we are going.
- Hands-On, Heartfelt Learning
- Creative, Child-Centered Approach
- Warm, Nurturing Environment
// My classes segue beautifully into a pinnacle life cycle event, their B’nai Mitzvah
JHHS Classes
Hebrew School
This isn’t your traditional Hebrew school — students engage their senses and cultivate intellectual confidence and joy!
I have a passion for teaching. After 24 years, my students still surprise and delight me. I teach in a warm, authentic home, embracing Judaism’s tradition that the first synagogue is the home. We craft beautiful art and Jewish ritual objects — mezuzahs, games, food, Passover plates, menorahs, and more. We cook Shabbat dinners together, visit Corned Beef Row and the Jewish Museum, and invite various speakers. We explore shared values, discuss family traditions, and foster Jewish pride. Students learn prayers and blessings and even craft High Holiday services for their families. These classes naturally lead into B’nai Mitzvah preparation. Class sizes range from 4 to 8 students, offered once a year, from September to June, for ages 7 to 13. It’s a multi-age, Montessori-inspired journey that can begin up to a year before B’nai Mitzvah.
B’nai Mitzvah and Services
A joyful, fully personalized tutoring experience crafted for your child — ranging from one-on-one tutoring to officiating services, available locally, nationally, and internationally.
B’nai Mitzvah marks the continuing tradition of a child’s transition into adulthood. Bar Mitzvah for boys began in 13th-century France, while
Bat Mitzvah for girls emerged in 1922 in New York. By honoring this sacred milestone, we join a chain of generations stretching back centuries, walking the same meaningful path. My goal is for every student to succeed. We work collaboratively to thoughtfully craft each service, adjusting expectations along the way. Flexibility is essential — allowing every student to feel capable, confident, and proud of their achievement.
// B’NAI MIZTVAH
Step-by-Step: From First Lesson to the Big Day
L’dor V’dor, from one generation to the next! The beautiful first steps to becoming a young Jewish adult.
Initial Consultation & Assessment
We begin with a warm, informal meeting—just me, the student, and their family. Together, we discuss your background, synagogue affiliation (if any), Hebrew level, and the traditions most important to you. From there, I design a lesson plan tailored to your goals and timeline.
Exploring the B’nai Mitzvah Journey
Students learn what it truly means to becoming a B’nai Mitzvah —not only as a ceremony, but as a significant step into Jewish adulthood. Along the way, we explore mitzvot, Jewish values, and the student’s role within the community.
Mastering Prayers and Blessings
Step by step, we study the blessings for the Torah and Haftarah, along with key prayers such as the Shema, Amidah, and those specific to your synagogue’s service. With guided repetition, audio tools, and practice recordings, students build confidence both in class and at home.
Torah Study & Recitation
Students learn their assigned Torah portion in Hebrew, or transliteration complete with the proper trope (cantillation). We work on understanding the meaning of the text and practicing the recitation until they feel clear and confident.
D’var Torah (Speech) Development
Together, we create a thoughtful D’var Torah that highlights the student’s own voice and perspective. We explore the themes in their portion and connect them to modern life, family values, or personal growth—making the speech both meaningful and authentic.
Rehearsals & Service Preparation
As the big day approaches, we rehearse everything: the flow of the service, how to stand with confidence, use the microphone, and stay calm under pressure. I provide steady support throughout, offering quiet guidance right beside the student so they never feel alone.
The Celebration Day
By the time your child steps onto the bimah, they will feel prepared, proud, and ready. I’ll be there to celebrate with them and ensure everything goes smoothly. Most Important, our timeline always allows flexibility for real life—whether that means illness, family travel, or other needs—so the journey stays positive and stress-free.
// B’NAI MIZTVAH
Step-by-Step: From First Lesson
to the Big Day
L’dor V’dor, from one generation to the next! The beautiful first steps to becoming a young Jewish adult.
Initial Consultation & Assessment
We begin with a warm, informal meeting—just me, the student, and their family. Together, we discuss your background, synagogue affiliation (if any), Hebrew level, and the traditions most important to you. From there, I design a lesson plan tailored to your goals and timeline.
Exploring the B’nai Mitzvah Journey
Students learn what it truly means to becoming a B’nai Mitzvah — not only as a ceremony, but as a significant step into Jewish adulthood. Along the way, we explore mitzvot, Jewish values, and the student’s role within the community.
Mastering Prayers and Blessings
Step by step, we study the blessings for the Torah and Haftarah, along with key prayers such as the Shema, Amidah, and those specific to your synagogue’s service. With guided repetition, audio tools, and practice recordings, students build confidence both in class and at home.
Torah Study & Recitation
Students learn their assigned Torah portion in Hebrew, or transliteration complete with the proper trope (cantillation). We work on understanding the meaning of the text and practicing the recitation until they feel clear and confident.
D’var Torah (Speech) Development
Together, we create a thoughtful D’var Torah that highlights the student’s own voice and perspective. We explore the themes in their portion and connect them to modern life, family values, or personal growth—making the speech both meaningful and authentic.
Rehearsals & Service Preparation
As the big day approaches, we rehearse everything: the flow of the service, how to stand with confidence, use the microphone, and stay calm under pressure. I provide steady support throughout, offering quiet guidance right beside the student so they never feel alone.
The Celebration Day
By the time your child steps onto the bimah, they will feel prepared, proud, and ready. I’ll be there to celebrate with them and ensure everything goes smoothly. Most Important, our timeline always allows flexibility for real life—whether that means illness, family travel, or other needs—so the journey stays positive and stress-free.
// Satisfied Families
Stories of Joy and Lasting Connections
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