Rabbi Brad transformed my bar-mitzvah from amazing to extravagant, my mind from 'on' to genuinely alive with ideas, and my confidence, curiosity, and connection to Judaism grew stronger than ever.
"By the time my bar mitzvah arrived the sense of dread I had at the beginning had been replaced by a feeling of pride, connection and accomplishment."
"It was more than I ever thought a bar-mitzvah could be. It inspired us, brought us closer to each other, to Israel, to the Jewish people…"
"Brad's warmth, patience and non-judgemental approach immediately put Jake at ease and surprisingly Jake was motivated to learn. Under Brad's guidance Jake progressed remarkably quickly and became enthusiastic and confident."
Most bar-mitzvahs mark a moment.
Ours shape your son's future.
The magic isn't just in the ceremony, it's in the whole experience that leads up to it.
What the Journey Looks Like
We begin with Rabbi Brad connecting with you as parents. You'll describe your son — who he is, what you want for him, and your vision for his bar-mitzvah. Together, we’ll piece his bar-mitzvah journey together and shape the experience around what matters most to your son and family.
This is where the magic happens and the energy builds! Be prepared for your son to surprise you — as he discovers a new-found connection with his family, his Jewish identity and with himself. The bar-mitzvah transformation begins before you’ve even boarded the plane..!
Then you land - and everything becomes real. You're not just enjoying another holiday in Israel - this is your son's once-in-a-lifetime bar-mitzvah experience. It's filled with fun, adventure, connection and immense Jewish Pride! And it's all planned and ready for you to soak it in.
The BIG DAY has finally arrived. The ceremony is beautiful — tailored, traditional and entirely personal. It's built entirely around your son and your family. But it's more than just a ceremony — it’s the pinnacle of an incredible journey that has led to this moment. Tears of nachas? Leave a seat for them… they tend to show up.
I never could have imagined it could be what Rabbi Brad made it to be. It brought my wife, my son and I closer together. It showed all my kids a side of Judaism they had never seen. Rabbi Brad himself, without saying a word, embodies the most beautiful and human side of Judaism.
A Glimpse of What's Possible
The Experiences
Every family is different. Every boy is different. So we've built three experiences — each one tailored to your son. The question isn't "will it be good?" It's: how deeply will it inspire him?
A meaningful and personalised bar-mitzvah journey that helps your son understand who he is, where he comes from, and why this milestone matters.
4 elements included
Designed to strengthen your son's connection to his Jewish identity, deepen his connections to the people that matter most - his family, and to inspire him to use his own blessings to positively impact those around him.
8 elements included
The ultimate bar-mitzvah experience. Everything in Ascent — plus an unforgettable Jerusalem Hills Father-Son Adventure. A journey that shapes not only a memorable trip, but the man your son becomes.
9 elements included
Not sure which experience fits your family? Let's talk it through.
Talk to Brad & Michal →
A Father's Words
“Rabbi Brad helped create an extraordinary bar-mitzvah experience for our family, and we are deeply grateful for the care, thought and energy he brought to every part of it. What made it especially memorable was the father-and-son journey he created — including a hike through the Jerusalem forest. Through thoughtful conversation along the way, he helped make the experience deeply personal and spiritually significant. Brad created an environment that strengthened the connection between my son and me at an important milestone. Deeply memorable, meaningful and authentic — at a level we simply could not have imagined.”
Who We Are
Hi, I'm Brad - Australian-born, proudly Israeli, and ordained by the Chief Rabbinate of Israel. (I'm also an avid mountain biker, hiker and music lover.) Michal is my wife and partner — warm, connecting, and loved by every family we've had the privilege of working with.
We've guided families like yours from around the world through their most meaningful moments. We’re down-to-earth, non-judgemental, and we speak your language — literally and culturally.
Our why? We're not in this to put on a beautiful ceremony and move on. We want your son to walk away genuinely inspired. More driven. Proud of his Jewish identity and proud of where he comes from.
Why Families Trust Us
That whole Israel trip is one of the highlights of our family's life journey… and Brad and Michal were instrumental in making it so special.
Frequently Asked
Wherever is most suitable for your family and your son. Most families choose the Kotel in Jerusalem, but we've organised bar-mitzvahs on top of Masada, in the Botanical Gardens, and at the ancient sites of Shiloh and the City of David. For boys who may feel anxious in a traditional setting, we tailor-make experiences that make even the most nervous boys feel comfortable.
Ceremonies can take place across all seasons and are planned around your travel dates.
A traditional formal ceremony isn't always the right fit — and that's completely fine. Some of our most special experiences have taken a different shape entirely, including boutique family-only ceremonies in special places like on top of Masada or overlooking the expanses of the Ramon Crater, ceremonies at centres for youth with disabilities, or other significant locations.
Both are options. If you'll be travelling to Israel prior to the bar-mitzvah, we can arrange in-person sessions. Otherwise, sessions take place online.
Honestly, good. That's quite typical, and exactly the kind of boy Rabbi Brad is best with. Most arrive uninspired, expecting something like Hebrew school. But then the magic happens. They leave surprised at how relevant it felt, how different it was from anything they expected, and looking forward to the next session. Don't wait for your son to ask for this. Just be ready when he thanks you for it.
Yes. We can connect you with the best photographers, videographers, event coordinators, function halls, restaurants, and English-speaking guides.
Rabbi Brad can guide you on what to purchase, or arrange for you to borrow for the ceremony.
All experiences include mentoring, a beautiful experience by the Kotel and full logistics. The question is how much do you want your bar-mitzvah trip and experience to impact your son and your family? (not whether you're prepared to invest). Almost all families embrace the opportunity for quality parent-son time and deep communication and connection at this time in their son's life. Naturally, at around bar-mitzvah age, young men start building their own identity and share less with their parents. But precisely the teen years, with all their trials and tribulations, are the most important time to be working off a strong foundation of deep communication, mutual understanding and respect. That's why the experiences that include parent-son bonding are so powerful and are the most popular.
Whilst the ceremony is a big part of it, the journey leading up to it is where the magic really is and what makes all the difference. For those who want just a ceremony and a short mentoring journey, the Classic package would be the best choice.
Be in touch.