Services

 
 

Jewish Life

Birth

The decision to raise a child of Jewish faith is deeply personal. I help parents through the religious process by discussing how to raise a Jewish child, converting gentile babies into Judaism, and performing baby namings.

Holidays

Holidays are about honoring and remembering Jewish traditions. I educate interested people about Jewish holidays to deepen their purpose beyond what was taught in prior Jewish educational settings. Together we will study the Jewish calendar and discuss what rituals and other aspects can be brought in your home.

Bar/Bat Mitzvahs

Anyone can celebrate their Bar or Bat Mitzvah. I help people celebrate their right of passage by tutoring them and performing the actual ceremony. Many schools will not teach children unless they have a certain amount of years in that school or are affiliated with a congregation. We will discuss what a child wants and what a child is willing to learn to celebrate this right. Adults can celebrate this rite of passage too, with some study.

Weddings

Weddings are a joyous occasion to be celebrated. I guide couples through the process by preparing them and performing their holy ceremony. I also prepare individuals toward conversion to Judaism.

Death

Death is inevitable. I walk families through this delicate time by educating them on the process of preparing for a Jewish funeral. I provide funerals for those who are not affiliated with a congregation, who are the only Jewish person in the family, and perform memorial services when there has been a cremation.

Jewish Support

Study

Learn Judaism through study. Sometimes people just want to know more about a faith. I meet with individuals in an informal comfortable setting to find out where they are in life, what is missing for them Jewishly, and how to provide some meaning for them in their lives.

Counseling

Seek a Jewish support system. I provide Jewish counseling for interfaith families to create Jewish homes and visit senior adults who do not have family in the Hartford community.

 

Ongoing Offers

  • Help put up a Mezuzah

  • Help Kasher a home

  • Say a prayer for someone who is ill or may need strength

 
“Rabbi Alan has been for my wife and me a friend, a mentor and a Jewish teacher for the last five years. He opened my eyes to a Jewish life and study with knowledge, compassion, and empathy.”
— Henry Kudisch, Former Member
 

VISITING SHUT-INS

Homebound seniors or shut-ins of any age are those who have the most spiritual needs. How many among the Jewish aged and homebound community, regardless of affiliation, would welcome a visit from a rabbi without an agenda? As part of my work as “A Rabbi without Walls,” I am available to visit those who have the need for a spiritual presence, conversation, and rabbinic services.