Hebrew tutor

About Aliza

I have been preparing children and adults for their bar and bat mitzvahs for many years, both
here in New York as well as in Israel, where I lived for many years. Working with these, both as a group or individually, is a passion of mine.  There are times when I am introduced to children who may have little to little to no enthusiasm for this upcoming milestone in their lives.  At times it is the “unaffiliated” families who choose to celebrate the child’s coming of age, and so I include, and very much welcome, parents’ participation as we prepare and learn together.  I have yet to witness anything but a glorious day culminating my work.  My work does not only include pre teens, but elderly as well.  Amongst some of my memorable teachings are with those approaching their 83 rd birthday, wanting to celebrate their “second bar mitzvah”.   I have memorable and moving experiences with students who are hearing impaired, blind, and mentally challenged. Thanks to modern technology, I am now able to work via skype, if and when distance is an issue.

My lessons are designed to meet the needs of each individual. Being a parent myself, I am well
aware of the importance of different needs, and that each student is unique. Everyone learns in a different way, therefore I tailor my teachings to meet the needs of each one’s learning needs and abilities. The length and number of times I meet with everyone depends on the individual. I
guide you to reach your goal in a timely fashion, so that when your date arrives you feel
confident, comfortable, and reassured to do well.  How much more the student wishes to do will be decided between the student, his/her family, and myself. 
After the Hebrew reading is perfected, the process of teaching the cantillations (trope) are like putting together a puzzle, i.e., putting the symbols to the words.  My main goal is to make the entire process enjoyable and fun, and not a chore.  In addition to my love of this teaching,  I
crochet a personalized kippah (yarmulkah) for each student.  Families may order more crocheted kippot from me as well!

TESTIMONIALS:
Only once in your lifetime you get the opportunity to find a spiritual connection with G-d.
Whether it be at your Bar/Bat Mitzvah or on an ordinary day.  For me, it happened on my 34th
Birthday. I was blessed to have my day on the Bimah at my very special Bat Mitzvah albeit a bit
later than age 12 but nevertheless, I did it!  Aliza was my Haftorah teacher and at times we
focused more on the spiritual meaning behind my mission to accomplish this unfinished task.
Yet, she made learning my piece musical, meaningful and memorable. As a detective, I was
prepared for gun battles, child abuse investigations and serving the City of New York. Aliza
prepared me as a woman, finally complete and one with G-d. I will never forget that day..it
wasn't about the party, it was solely about the connection.
"If you get the inside right, the outside will fall into
place."
I'm whole and on a continued spiritual journey. If Aliza is your guide, you are in very capable
hands-- I'm living proof!
- Jennifer A. Molinari
 "Aliza tutored my two oldest daughters for their bat mitzvahs, and she is now tutoring my
youngest. She puts her heart and soul into her work and it shows in the great things that my
daughters were able to accomplish on their special days thanks to her teaching gifts. She's not an
ordinary teacher by any means. In fact, for the combination of passion and intelligence she
brings to her work, I would put her into the genius category. There is no one I would recommend
more."
-Gabriel Schoenfeld

 "Aliza gave our two daughters and our son bat and bar mitzvah lessons. She was an
extraordinary teacher who gave our children the confidence and ability to read from the torah
and recite their haftorahs with ease. The children enjoyed going to Aliza's home each week for
their lessons. They were very well prepared when their big day came and everyone in the
congregation commented on how beautifully they did. It is because of Aliza's kind, patient and
caring ways that our children and we will always look fondly on this special milestone in their
lives. We highly recommend Aliza to anyone who wants to learn to read torah and/or haftorah in
a positive and nurturing atmosphere.
With gratitude, Amy and David Liebov"
Aliza Avital is a master teacher.  Our son was frustrated by the teaching methods at his school
and had difficulty learning Hebrew.  As his Bar Mitzvah approached, he felt very discouraged. 
Aliza not only taught him masterfully, finding the key to his best ways to learn, she also inspired
his real and lasting interest in Jewish learning. Further, Aliza understood our son and our family.
She worked with our older children as well, refreshing their Torah reading, and on the day our
son became a Bar Mitzvah, each of our children read parts, and together they read the entire
Torah portion.  It was a day our family talks about and remembers as fulfilling the highest idealsof our family and our connection to Judaism. Aliza helped bring it all together in a lovely and
pleasurable way that has maintained an enduring connection among our children and to Judaism.
-Leslie Newman

Aliza Avital helped our son, Jonathan,  prepare for his bar mitzvah back in 2003.
We had known Aliza to be a wonderful instructor from the time she worked with our son in the
East Midwood Hebrew Day School, then known as the Rabbi Harry Halpern Day School.    It
was one of many reasons we sought Aliza  out to help Jonathan,
because we knew how patient and loving she is with children of all ages.
 
Aliza is fluent in Hebrew and has wonderful pronunciation of the texts.  In addition,
she possesses a beautiful voice and carefully goes over and rehearses the melodies
and words and prayers that the bar mitzvah boy or girl must learn.  She gave
our son a recording and easy to follow copy of what he was required to study.
He had ample time to prepare and was ready for the big day. I am sure that while
in some ways Jonathan was easy to work with because he is musical and had
previously studied Hebrew, in other ways, it must not have been so easy.
He has a mild disability and while well-behaved, could sometimes get  tuck on a topic and not t
let it go.  Aliza, always patient, never complained, and in fact  realized and appreciated his
strengths while she easily and quietly dealt with any weaknesses.
 
She is an enthusiastic and energetic person who always makes both the child
and his or her parents feel comfortable with the whole experience of learning
the portions and reciting them with confidence.  In addition, as a little gift,
she crocheted a  lovely individualized kippa with his Hebrew name, something
we treasured.  This shows that it is not simply a job for Aliza, but a calling, a

mitzvah in itself.
 
 I highly recommend Aliza as a bar/bat mitzvah teacher.  She is not only a wonderful instructor
who will prepare your child for his or her big day, but a terrific person, with a big heart and lots
of talent and neshama.    Our
son was shinning that day almost 9 years ago, and we can never forget how Aliza helped so
much to make that happen.
-Emily and Joseph Pariente
February 2012

 
I have the unique perspective of having Aliza work with both of our sons in preparation for their
B'nei Miztvah as well as having had the privilege of working closely with her on preparation of
both Torah and Haftorah readings for myself. Aliza is terrific. Thoughtful and patient, focused
and understanding Aliza is both an amazing teacher and first rate calming influence for the
pressures that always seem to arise in Bar/Bat Mitzvah prep. Learning is done individually at
pace comfortable for each student so that goals that are set are achieved. When crunch time came
for my sons Aliza was there to give them some tricks and tips to help them overcome the stage
freight and mental obstacles of chanting in front of family, friends and the entire congregation.
Both of our sons came away having had a marvelous experience at a time that can be both
stressful and difficult.  From a personal perspective, hearing Aliza's voice in the headphones
always makes for a clear, comforting, and supportive learning experience. It is with no
reservations that I recommend her wholeheartedly.
 -Mark Finkelstein
I have attended a number of bar and bat mitzvahs of Aliza’s students.  Each was exceptional. 
Some students had prepared with reluctance, others with diligence.  All performed well,
testaments to Aliza’s patience and persistence.  The parents beam with pride–and sometimes
relief.  The day proves a milestone in myriad ways. 
–Rochel Urist

Our three daughters all went to Aliza and they all love her.  She made preparing for a bat mitzvah a
positive experience for the whole family.   If you want to feel confident that your kid is going to sound
beautiful up there, use Aliza.
-Nomi Cohen