B'nai Mitzvah Testimonials
"I cannot tell you how many texts and emails I received telling me
it was the most beautiful service they have been to..."
"So you would have never known that D's Bar Mitzvah came a week after Rosh Hashana and Yom Kippur. How you make everything so personal and warm while making it look effortless is a gift that most people do not possess. We cannot thank you enough for making both of our children’s special days the 2 best days of their and our lives.
I cannot tell you how many texts and emails I received telling me it was the most beautiful service they have been to and that you made it so. Thank you, thank you, thank you!!! I’ll let you know when to hold the date for L's wedding:))))"
N & S
I cannot tell you how many texts and emails I received telling me it was the most beautiful service they have been to and that you made it so. Thank you, thank you, thank you!!! I’ll let you know when to hold the date for L's wedding:))))"
N & S
"(We) have never really had a Rabbi that we could identify with.
You are most definitely it."
"We wanted to thank you again for giving our daughter such a truly wonderful Bat Mitzvah education and experience. Your genuine interest in really getting to know her, your passion for Judaism and the Jewish education of young people, and the kindness you showed her throughout this process has provided her a lifelong positive feeling about her religion and heritage.
Her mitzvah service itself was just so beautiful and meaningful; it was truly a gorgeous service and ceremony that you and Cantor Warren created for her. I know everyone in the room sharing it with us felt that as well. Watching her joyfulness, her comfort leading the service and reading Torah, and her sense of connection to our family’s traditions and Jewish traditions is a memory that we will treasure always.
We are so appreciative and grateful that you have ensured that both our son and daughter had such an enriching and fulfilling mitzvah process. It is an important foundation they will take with them into all they do. We look forward to hopefully enjoying many future life events and celebrations with your guidance and support."
Amy & G
Her mitzvah service itself was just so beautiful and meaningful; it was truly a gorgeous service and ceremony that you and Cantor Warren created for her. I know everyone in the room sharing it with us felt that as well. Watching her joyfulness, her comfort leading the service and reading Torah, and her sense of connection to our family’s traditions and Jewish traditions is a memory that we will treasure always.
We are so appreciative and grateful that you have ensured that both our son and daughter had such an enriching and fulfilling mitzvah process. It is an important foundation they will take with them into all they do. We look forward to hopefully enjoying many future life events and celebrations with your guidance and support."
Amy & G
"(We) have never really had a Rabbi that we could identify with.
You are most definitely it."
"My family and I have never really had a Rabbi that we could identify with. You are most definitely it. Your warmth and your ability to connect with both our daughter and our family was remarkable. We truly believe you are one in a million and there is nobody else that we would have rather had officiating at E’s Bat Mitzvah.
Thank you for all your time and effort. We are so thankful that you have entered our lives and look forward to being with you at services and in the future for N’s Bar Mitzvah. We couldn’t imagine having anyone else Bar Mitzvah him then you! Much Love and Gratitude"
The Entire F Family
Thank you for all your time and effort. We are so thankful that you have entered our lives and look forward to being with you at services and in the future for N’s Bar Mitzvah. We couldn’t imagine having anyone else Bar Mitzvah him then you! Much Love and Gratitude"
The Entire F Family
"...you managed to make each of the triplets feel successful & unique..."
"Our children received the proofs of the B’nai Mitzvah and while we as grandparents were qvelling over them, we realized we never adequately thanked you for all you did to make this moment so special. The fact that you managed to make each of the triplets feel successful and unique as a Mitzvah celebrant was remarkable. It is clear that each came out of their time with you prior to and at the service a more knowledgeable Jew and grateful for how you helped them do that.
Thank you so much for your contribution in making their Mitzvah a wonderful experience."
C and B
Thank you so much for your contribution in making their Mitzvah a wonderful experience."
C and B
"It was an incredible experience."
" I want to thank you so much for officiating at Jay’s Bar Mitzvah.
The service was more special than I anticipated. It was by far my favorite part of the weekend, which is how it should be. You were so warm and engaging and almost everyone who attended commented to us about it. It was an incredible experience. Thank you."
Suzy
The service was more special than I anticipated. It was by far my favorite part of the weekend, which is how it should be. You were so warm and engaging and almost everyone who attended commented to us about it. It was an incredible experience. Thank you."
Suzy
"I really feel you took time to get to know me,
something I greatly appreciate."
"Thank you so much for your continued support of me during my preparation for my Bar Mitzvah. I really feel you took time to get to know me, something I greatly appreciate. Thank you also for the Bible which I look forward to using often.Go Blue!"
Justin G.
Justin G.
"I cannot even begin to explain the thanks and gratitude I owe you."
"I cannot even begin to explain the thanks and gratitude I owe you. You have walked my brother and I through the rebirth of our Jewish education in a kind and outstanding manner. I couldn’t have asked for a better rabbi. I look forward to seeing you hopefully soon."
Jackson
Jackson
"You made her feel so comfortable, confident and proud!"
"Our Bat Mitzvah journey with you was an honor and a gift. Our daughter loved sharing the Bimah with you. You made her feel so comfortable, confident and proud! We look forward to continuing our studies and worship with you and sharing life’s celebrations. With joy and gratitude."
Mindy S.
Mindy S.
"Within five minutes of my first meeting with Rabbi Debbie...
I suddenly understood the significance of being a Jew."
"As a 12 year-old boy with an entire career of Hebrew school behind him, I had some understanding but little connection to my religion and culture. Within five minutes of my first meeting with Rabbi Debbie,who would officiate my Bar Mitzvah ceremony, I not only felt connected to my religion, but I suddenly understood the significance of being a Jew; beautifully philosophical conversation filled with more questions than answers and a relationship with an elder that would not only sustain, but strengthen over the years.
And so over the past eight years, it has. My connection with my religion and my relationship with Rabbi Debbie really are one in the same; her kind words, thoughtful advice, and warm demeanor have offered solace in times that seemed impossible. And more uniquely, I look to her in times that are totally carefree and simple.
Rabbi Debbie’s energy is simultaneously magnetic and inspiring. She incites significant conversation among the most stubborn of teenagers and talkative mothers. Her passion is not to convert or to persuade, but to guide and suggest. I consider her my most trusted mentor, and more importantly, my very close friend."
Alex
And so over the past eight years, it has. My connection with my religion and my relationship with Rabbi Debbie really are one in the same; her kind words, thoughtful advice, and warm demeanor have offered solace in times that seemed impossible. And more uniquely, I look to her in times that are totally carefree and simple.
Rabbi Debbie’s energy is simultaneously magnetic and inspiring. She incites significant conversation among the most stubborn of teenagers and talkative mothers. Her passion is not to convert or to persuade, but to guide and suggest. I consider her my most trusted mentor, and more importantly, my very close friend."
Alex
"Leigh said he felt like he got to know you better in our two hour meeting than he knew our former Rabbi in five years! "
"We want to thank you once again for leading Leigh in his Bar Mitzvah service, a very special milestone in his life. This day was more perfect than we could ever have imagined. The notes and phone calls continued on for many months after the service.
You are such a warm and caring professional, and we were so impressed at how you made Leigh and our family feel like you have known us forever!
We took a risk by making a move from our former synagogue so close to the day of the Bar Mitzvah, but you welcomed us in so completely that Leigh said he felt like he got to know you better in our two hour meeting than he knew our former Rabbi in five years!
You were totally supportive of our vision of a single service, and this being a once-in-a-lifetime special day for Leigh. We so appreciate your understanding of our dream, and you made this dream a reality! And last but not least…your words to Leigh, and about Leigh were extraordinary! There wasn't a dry eye in the synagogue!
We are hoping that your presence in our lives extends well beyond this day, as we feel that you became more than just a Rabbi to us but a lifelong friend."
Cindy, Jerry, Leigh & Jared
You are such a warm and caring professional, and we were so impressed at how you made Leigh and our family feel like you have known us forever!
We took a risk by making a move from our former synagogue so close to the day of the Bar Mitzvah, but you welcomed us in so completely that Leigh said he felt like he got to know you better in our two hour meeting than he knew our former Rabbi in five years!
You were totally supportive of our vision of a single service, and this being a once-in-a-lifetime special day for Leigh. We so appreciate your understanding of our dream, and you made this dream a reality! And last but not least…your words to Leigh, and about Leigh were extraordinary! There wasn't a dry eye in the synagogue!
We are hoping that your presence in our lives extends well beyond this day, as we feel that you became more than just a Rabbi to us but a lifelong friend."
Cindy, Jerry, Leigh & Jared
"...you made our special day even more special and meaningful..."
"Well, we finally did it!
We had the honor and pleasure of you officiating one of our Bar Mitzvahs, and we couldn't be happier! You are amazing!
We will forever be grateful for the joy, happiness and warmth you injected into the service - you made our special day even more special and meaningful by making the service that much more beautiful!
Thank you so much for arranging for the Torah, the prayer books, and the Cantor and for bringing to the service all of the intangibles that made it so remarkable - we cannot thank you enough for everything!"
Susan and Rod
We had the honor and pleasure of you officiating one of our Bar Mitzvahs, and we couldn't be happier! You are amazing!
We will forever be grateful for the joy, happiness and warmth you injected into the service - you made our special day even more special and meaningful by making the service that much more beautiful!
Thank you so much for arranging for the Torah, the prayer books, and the Cantor and for bringing to the service all of the intangibles that made it so remarkable - we cannot thank you enough for everything!"
Susan and Rod
"It was truly amazing, everything we could have hoped for. "
"We want to thank you from the bottom of our hearts for making Rachel's Bat Mitzvah so very memorable. It was truly amazing, everything we could have hoped for. We are most grateful for your kind words and gentle guidance of Rachel throughout the service. There was so much warmth and love in the Sanctuary and our guests were deeply moved by your gift of spirituality.
You are simply wonderful and we feel so blessed to have you in our lives."
Leslie and Corey
You are simply wonderful and we feel so blessed to have you in our lives."
Leslie and Corey
"...(Rabbi Nesselson) gave Sam the knowledge and confidence."
"Our entire family is grateful to Rabbi Debbie for her ongoing leadership and spiritual guidance throughout the path leading to Sam’s becoming a Bar Mitzvah last year.
Throughout the period leading to the actual Bar Mitzvah ceremony, she not only helped our son learn the appropriate prayers, Torah portion and Haftorah, she gave Sam the knowledge and confidence needed to gain his rightful place among the people of Israel. Throughout the period leading to the actual Bar Mitzvah ceremony, she not only helped our son learn the appropriate prayers, Torah portion and Haftorah, she gave Sam the knowledge and confidence needed to gain his rightful place among the people of Israel.
During their pre-Bar Mitzvah meetings, Rabbi Debbie took the time to sit down with Sam to get to know him; during these meetings, the two grew increasingly comfortable and confident with each other. Sam appreciated not only her spiritual guidance but thought it was great that she showed interest in areas beside Judaism, particularly in Sam’s first love, sports of all types.
During the sometimes hectic and tense period that many Jewish families experience before their child is called to the Torah, Rabbi Debbie was always available and understanding to our family’s concerns. She met with us to ensure the preparedness of not only the Bar Mitzvah but his parents and younger brother, who will also soon become a Bar Mitzvah.During the Bar Mitzvah, we heard from many of our family members and friends just how warm and haimish the ceremony was. It was apparent that Rabbi Debbie had a special connection to Sam and the entire two families. During the lovely ceremony, when Sam was thoughtfully thanking everyone in his religious and actual families, he (with nerves apparent) forgot to thank the rabbi for her ongoing help. In understated parental panic, both Mom & Dad, in a stage whisper, said, “Sam, you forgot to thank the rabbi”. As Sam turned a slightly deeper shade of pink, Rabbi Debbie humorously cut through the tension by pointing to the lines in Sam’s notes and saying, “He didn’t forget, see here it is right here”. She then proceeded to read the line thanking herself. The entire congregation enjoyed a warm Shabbat moment, laughing along with the Bar Mitzvah boy, his parents and the professional staff.
To our delight, our family has maintained an ongoing relationship with Rabbi Debbie as we both continue with our busy and ever-changing lives. Her interest and caring warmth continues to fuel our family’s commitment to Judaism, the state of Israel and the Jewish people."
Joanne and Ed
Throughout the period leading to the actual Bar Mitzvah ceremony, she not only helped our son learn the appropriate prayers, Torah portion and Haftorah, she gave Sam the knowledge and confidence needed to gain his rightful place among the people of Israel. Throughout the period leading to the actual Bar Mitzvah ceremony, she not only helped our son learn the appropriate prayers, Torah portion and Haftorah, she gave Sam the knowledge and confidence needed to gain his rightful place among the people of Israel.
During their pre-Bar Mitzvah meetings, Rabbi Debbie took the time to sit down with Sam to get to know him; during these meetings, the two grew increasingly comfortable and confident with each other. Sam appreciated not only her spiritual guidance but thought it was great that she showed interest in areas beside Judaism, particularly in Sam’s first love, sports of all types.
During the sometimes hectic and tense period that many Jewish families experience before their child is called to the Torah, Rabbi Debbie was always available and understanding to our family’s concerns. She met with us to ensure the preparedness of not only the Bar Mitzvah but his parents and younger brother, who will also soon become a Bar Mitzvah.During the Bar Mitzvah, we heard from many of our family members and friends just how warm and haimish the ceremony was. It was apparent that Rabbi Debbie had a special connection to Sam and the entire two families. During the lovely ceremony, when Sam was thoughtfully thanking everyone in his religious and actual families, he (with nerves apparent) forgot to thank the rabbi for her ongoing help. In understated parental panic, both Mom & Dad, in a stage whisper, said, “Sam, you forgot to thank the rabbi”. As Sam turned a slightly deeper shade of pink, Rabbi Debbie humorously cut through the tension by pointing to the lines in Sam’s notes and saying, “He didn’t forget, see here it is right here”. She then proceeded to read the line thanking herself. The entire congregation enjoyed a warm Shabbat moment, laughing along with the Bar Mitzvah boy, his parents and the professional staff.
To our delight, our family has maintained an ongoing relationship with Rabbi Debbie as we both continue with our busy and ever-changing lives. Her interest and caring warmth continues to fuel our family’s commitment to Judaism, the state of Israel and the Jewish people."
Joanne and Ed
"You handled the service with such grace and intuition
that it was like Jake was your son instead of mine. "
"I’m happy to put pen to paper to tell you how much my family enjoyed Jake’s Bar Mitzvah service. You handled the service with such grace and intuition that it was like Jake was your son instead of mine. I appreciate the time you took with him, with Erwin and me and our guests so that we could all celebrate and share in Jake’s joy. Your sensitivity to Jake was breathtaking and a day we will always carry with us. Thank you for sharing your humanity with us."
Cathy and Erwin
Cathy and Erwin
" Your warm and heartfelt presence..."
"Thank you for conducting a beautiful service when our daughter, Elissa, became a Bat Mitzvah. Your warm and heartfelt presence put everyone at ease. Sometimes the Bar and Bat Mitzvah process can take on a life of its own. We appreciated your emphasis on focusing on what is truly important and meaningful.
Your professionalism shone through with your knowledge of Torah and how you conducted the service. You made sure everything ran smoothly and everyone was right on track. Once again, thank you for making Elissa’s Bat Mitzvah a most memorable experience."
Corky and Howard
Your professionalism shone through with your knowledge of Torah and how you conducted the service. You made sure everything ran smoothly and everyone was right on track. Once again, thank you for making Elissa’s Bat Mitzvah a most memorable experience."
Corky and Howard
" (the Bar Mitzva) was imbued with a sense of warmth and connectedness that I will never forget."
"I don't know what we would have done without Rabbi Nesselson. She officiated at both my son’s Bar Mitzvah and my mother’s funeral and her support throughout has been phenomenal—I’m so grateful to her.
The Bar Mitzvah went more smoothly than I could ever have imagined and was imbued with a sense of warmth and connectedness that I will never forget. Rabbi Nesselson, thank you for everything you did to make the Bar Mitzvah so wonderful!"
Saula and Seth
The Bar Mitzvah went more smoothly than I could ever have imagined and was imbued with a sense of warmth and connectedness that I will never forget. Rabbi Nesselson, thank you for everything you did to make the Bar Mitzvah so wonderful!"
Saula and Seth
" (Rabbi Nesselson) added a sense of grace and familarity."
"Rabbi Debbie Nesselson conducted our daughter's Bat Mitzvah. It was a beautiful service enhanced by Rabbi Debbie's involvement. We were all nervous and excited for our daughter. Rabbi Debbie's presence created a sense of calm. She added a sense of grace and familiarity. Thank you, Rabbi Nesselson, for helping to make a special day in Jenny's life even more meaningful and memorable."
Ellen and Michael
Ellen and Michael