I am honored by the praise I have received for "a deft ability to bring authentic Judaism" and an "inclusive atmosphere, celebration and sanctity together" at these ceremonies. Yet, it is the work I do connecting with each and every person before and after the ceremony that people say sets me apart and greatly deepens their experience.
I would be happy to speak with you about Weddings, Bris & Baby namings, Bar Mitzvah or Bat Mitzvah lessons or ceremonies, House Blessings, or Funerals & Memorial Services.
All communications with Rabbi Miller are held in strictest confidence. Testimonials are published with full permission of their authors. To submit a testimonial, please use the "contact" form.
Counseling -
Gifted & Intuitive
"I've made more progress...in nine months than...in several years with a prior counselor." Read More...
Yvonne Lee
Spiritual Weddings -
Juxtaposing our Love for Each Other
"What we received was an authentic expression of all the things we wanted in our wedding" Read More...
Mike Lichty & Carol Bogardus
Counseling -
Heart, Compassion, & Intuition
"I highly recommend this man...for guidance through the rocky terrain of self-awareness and soul-searching." Read More...
Paul Henri Corvallo
Conversion & Counseling -
At a pace that was right for me
"He takes into consideration where you already are, in life, emotions, and faith and helps direct where to go from there." Read More...
Crystal Knight-Hines
Marriage Counseling -
Rabbi Miller Saved Our Marriage
"It's like I'm in a new marriage, but it's with the same person!" Read More...
Luke Jackson
Bar/Bat Mitzvah -
This program made my Bat Mitzvah more meaningful to me
"I learned more about Judaism and the Torah in the time I was working on this program than in all of the years of my life." Read More...
Shira Rich
Spiritual growth and healing
"Life is a journey. Having a spiritual guide like Rabbi Miller to help you ..."
Read More...
Steve Schechtman
Grief Counseling -
We are very very glad we know him
"Rabbi Yitzi’s kindness and caring was truly God-sent." Read More...
Helene and Andy Hale
An Incredible Asset
"Rabbi Yitzhak Miller is a man of many talents:
• He is a gifted teacher; ..."
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Randy Lester-Wilson
Conversion -
Forever Grateful
"Rabbi Yitzi instantly made me feel very comfortable & welcome" Read More...
Andrea Vasquez
Jewish Study -
Opening new doors
"Undertaking a course of study with Rabbi Yitzhak Miller opened new doors in ..."
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Mazal Tov on your Upcoming Bar Mitzvah or Bat Mitzvah!
"Working with Rabbi Miller was such a pleasure! He not only developed a close relationship with my son through the process, but with my whole family. His work was professional, inspiring, and we were amazed how much time and effort he put into my son and family's needs.
We go to so many Bar Mitzvahs that are just a performance and a party. But working with Rabbi Miller, my son really got the whole concept of how his Bar Mitzvah and its preparation fit into his Jewish life. Not only did my son develop a much stronger relationship with Judaism, but our whole family did as well.
I never believed my son would work that hard, and I really never believed he'd say he was glad he did it!"
-Michael Shapiro
Please take a couple of minutes to read the paragraphs below, and you will come to understand why working with me towards Bar Mitzvah or Bat Mitzvah is such a unique experience.
Is Your Bar Mitzvah Jewish?
Rabbi Jeffrey Salkin’s wonderful book “Putting God on the Guest List” reflects how many of us have lost sight of the whole purpose of Bar Mitzvah / Bat Mitzvah. So many families spend thousands—if not tens of thousands—of dollars kids on a lavish party while the child is asked to do nothing Jewishly more than memorize their Torah and Haftarah portions, and a few basic prayers. Then they wonder why our kids feel like the whole exercise is devoid of meaning, and we are left wondering what was actually Jewish about the whole enterprise.
How Good is Your Synagogue?
Many synagogues do an excellent job of helping a child and family develop their Jewish identity.And when synagogues do this job well, there is no better way to develop a Jewish identity than by being an active member of your local synagogue.But—just like choosing the best schools and the best teachers—parents need to ask questions.
The Litmus Test
It’s true that at the end of the day, everyone will be happy no matter what—because we’re proud of our youngster’s accomplishments. But I judge my work with Bar Mitzvah students and Bar Mitzvah families by one simple litmus test—at the end of the process, is the Jewish identity not only of the student, but also of the family, substantially strengthened? If the answer is yes, then we have succeeded.
I am not here to compete with synagogues that are doing a good job.If your local synagogue provides quality Jewish education for your child, if they expect Bar & Bat Mitzvah students to do more than just memorize their Torah portions, if they create a meaningful environment that encourages an enthusiasm for Jewish life, then I encourage you to become an active member of your local synagogue if you are not already.
HOW I CAN HELP
If you are unable to find a suitable match for a physical synagogue near you, then I am happy to help provide full Bar/Bat Mitzvah preparation for you and your child.
If you are part of a synagogue that only provides basic Bar/Bat Mitzvah tutoring, but not full Bar/Bat Mitzvah preparation, then please consider supplementing your work at that synagogue with my AWARD-WINNING FAMILY EXPLORATION PROGRAM.
(click here for information on that program)
The Ultimate Test
We will really know we have succeeded when the adrenaline wears off, the thank you notes are written, the presents are used up, and the student still feels that the process they went through for their Bar Mitzvah or Bat Mitzvah was a valuable use of their time, energy, and commitment. And we will truly know we have succeeded when we see that those very kids—the ones who have someone care enough to give them the training of what Judaism is really all about—those kids are the ones most likely to have Jewish kids and Jewish grandkids.
Video Introduction to Rabbi Yitzhak Miller
