B’nei Mitzvot At Hebrew Tabernacle
Madeline Ilona Christian May 10th, 2025
Rhett Bernstein March 8th, 2025
For his Mitzvah project, Rhett returned to his elementary school, Dos Puentes, to support kindergarten through third graders with their schoolwork, focusing on English language learners. He found joy in mentoring younger students and inspiring them to develop a love for reading, knowing firsthand how rewarding it can be. We know his love of learning and perseverance in hockey will help him to achieve any goal he sets his mind to.
Micah Darwin-Zimmer February 8th, 2025
Micah Darwin-Zimmer is a gentle soul with endless depths to his intellect and imagination. At the top of his seventh-grade class at IS 187, Micah is already an accomplished multi-talented individual. Last spring, Micah earned the highest Cub Scouts honor, the Arrow of Light, from Troop 729. At Master Kwon’s taekwondo dojang he has diligently worked up to the Bodum belt- the last step before black belt. He has obtained proficiency in several coding languages through a weekly online coding course called Code Wizards HQ, including Python, Html, CSS, and Java Script. In addition, Micah is steadfast in his growth as a pianist, performing increasingly complex compositions at biannual recitals with local piano instructor Candace Chen. Beyond these impressive accomplishments, Micah loves to travel, try new foods and drinks, read, collect dragons, and play the video games Minecraft and Sky. He is a loving older sibling, and the manifestation of his parents’ wildest dreams. He aspires to work in a STEM occupation related to colonizing outer space, and if this remains his goal, he will achieve it.
Arlo Rubin December 14th, 2024
We are excited to announce and celebrate our son, Arlo Benjamin, as he is called to the torah as a Bar Mitzvah this Saturday, December 14, 2024. Arlo was born in NYC and has grown up in Washington Heights, blocks from Hebrew Tabernacle. Arlo’s first word was not mama or dada, but “ba” (ball). His love for sports has been consistent and continues to grow, specifically with soccer/football. Every day, Arlo either plays, practices, reads, analyzes, watches, and/or writes about soccer. Arlo is in eighth grade at Success Academy Harlem North Central (and recently endured the NYC DOE high school process). He excels academically, participates in the chess club, and has been on the Success Academy Travel Team for the past 6 years.
For his mitzvah project, Arlo volunteered as a coach in training (CIT) for the Washington Heights YM/WHA Hudson Cliffs Baseball League (HCBL). Throughout the HCBL 2024 season, Arlo assisted the HCBL coaches to develop kids of varying ages and abilities, individually and as teams, develop skills, gain knowledge, and play baseball. Throughout this mitzvah project experience, Arlo developed patience, a greater appreciation for his own teachers and coaches, and continued desire to support athletes in the future.
The Rubin Family would like to thank Rabbi Paula, Shelly Koy, and Susan Edelstein (Bar Mitzvah tutor) for their encouragement, knowledge, and experience educating and preparing Arlo for his Bar Mitzvah.
Jordan Snyder November 23rd, 2024
Jordan Snyder is an 8th grader at The Community School in Teaneck, NJ. He is a lifelong resident of Washington Heights and loves living in New York City, especially walking around Fort Tryon Park. Jordan enjoys cooking, fencing, and hanging out with his friends and his older brother, Elijah. Jordan’s favorite subjects at school are science and technology. Jordan has attended Hebrew Tabernacle Hebrew school since Kindergarten, and we are thankful to Shelly, Rabbi Paula and his tutor Eve Millstein for their support in preparing Jordan for his Bar Mitzvah. For Jordan’s mitzvah project, he baked and delivered 100 muffins to the Fort Fridge, a local pantry & fridge.
Gavin Shames November 8th, 2024
Gavin is an eighth grader at P.S./M.S. 278 The Paula Hedbavny School, where his favorite subjects are science and math. Gavin’s hobbies include video games and working on upgrading his computer. Gavin loves to play soccer and has been playing for about as long as he could walk. He’s played in leagues in Riverdale and at Asphalt Green on the Upper East Side.
He enjoys traveling with his family. He’s been to 13 states and 3 national parks. He inherited a sense of adventure from his late grandfather, Jerrold Shames. Gavin has tried his hand at everything from trapeze, skiing, simulated skydiving and surfing.
Gavin and his family would like to thank Rabbi Paula, Shelly Koy, and his Hebrew tutor, Eve Millstein, for their support, encouragement, and patience in preparing for his Bar Mitzvah. They would also like to thank all the family, friends, and Hebrew Tabernacle community for being part of his big day.
Aaron Dornfeld October 26th, 2024
Aaron is an eighth grader at Mott Hall Middle School, where he loves math and science. His hobbies include playing video games and disc golf (though not at the same time!). Aaron also enjoys playing sports with his friends in Bennett Park and spending time with his dog, Koda.
For his mitzvah project Aaron volunteered with two non-profit organizations that focus on protecting and restoring the Hudson River: Clearwater and Riverkeeper. Aaron spent time helping at a Clearwater educational event that raised money for the organization and awareness about its mission. For Riverkeeper, he participated in neighborhood and river clean ups, picking up trash in order to make sure it didn’t wind up in the rivers and the ecosystem.
Aaron and his family would like to thank Rabbi Paula, Shelly Koy and his Hebrew tutor, Susan Edelstein, for all of their support and encouragement, and all of our family and friends who came to be with Aaron on this beautiful, auspicious day.
Emilia Sorrentino May 18th 2024
Emilia is an 8th grader at Trevor Day School in Manhattan. She lives in Washington Heights with her mom, dad, brothers Nick and Luca, and dog Ziggy. Emilia loves music – both listening and playing (piano and guitar), and going to concerts. She also draws and paints and loves to travel.
Isaac Ross March 23rd, 2024
Isaac Ross is a seventh grader at PS-IS 187. He was born in Northampton, MA and moved to Washington Heights when he was 2. He’s an avid reader, gamer, ping pong player, and Rubik’s Cuber. He enjoys spending time with his parents, big brother Leo, and treasured feline siblings, Tom and Fuzzy. He joined Hebrew Tabernacle Hebrew School in fifth grade. Isaac is a musician who loves playing guitar and singing. For his mitzvah project, he is performing at senior centers in and around the neighborhood. He’s grateful to his excellent Hebrew teacher Susan Gellert, his wonderful Bar Mitzvah tutor Susan Edelstein, Rabbi Paula, Shelly, and the whole HT community.
Annika Helen Epstein is an intelligent, kind and unique child whose wit and free spirit will serve her well on her journey into adulthood.
She is a life-long Washington Heights native who lives with her mother Ulrika, father Ben and nine-year-old sister Eliana. Annika can also be found on the Upper West Side, attending the eighth grade at West Prep Academy and spending time with her grandparents.
Wherever she is, Annika’s life is shaped by her innate creativity. As a multimedia artist and budding entrepreneur, she conceptualizes, shoots and edits content for her own successful YouTube channel. She has used the platform to show off her own creations, an interest that began in the first grade as a doll clothing business. This passion is continuing with the adult sized garments and accessories she makes as part of a program in the garment district.
Annika likes to have a good time, which often means meeting her friends for a walk and a boba, or listening to Harry Styles and his former bandmates. She is unabashedly one of the most dedicated One Direction fans in all of Manhattan.
Yet with all this going on, Annika has found the time to studiously prepare for her Bat Mitzvah. In addition to learning the Torah and prayers, she has deepened her connection to her Jewish identity–something that holds great importance to her.
She has proven a quick and eager study under the tutelage of the thoughtful and talented Susan Edelstein—an incredible guide, to whom Annika and her entire family are extremely grateful. Annika has also had the unique pleasure of receiving supplemental Bat Mitzvah lessons from her Sabba.
Annika and her family are very grateful to Rabbi Paula, Desma, Shelly, Loren, and the entire Hebrew Tabernacle community where she has attended Hebrew School since the fourth grade. Annika has begun to give back to the community this year as part of her Mitzvah project. While volunteering with the youngest Hebrew School students she has discovered that she loves working with children. She hopes to continue to explore this newfound calling while continuing to enjoy a place in the Hebrew Tabernacle community.
Annika Helen Epstein January 6th, 2024
Harrison Slomko November 18, 2023
Harrison Slomko is an eighth grader who attends PSIS 187 Hudson Cliffs. Harrison is very excited to have his Bar Mitzvah. Harrison is a very sweet, enthusiastic, gregarious boy who loves life. He loves to laugh and to engage in conversation with anyone. He has been giving back to the community for years as he gives food to the homeless. He enjoys school and is very active in sports including baseball, swim, and track.
Marlowe Trimble September 9 2023
Marlowe Trimble is an 8th grader at PS/IS187. She grew up in the neighborhood of Washington Heights with her older sister Delancey and her mom and dad and their two cats – Hollis & Jamaica. Marlowe spends her time reading, painting, and enjoys bike riding. For her bat mitzvah project she collected donations of old towels and sheets for the Berkshire Animal Hospital. She would like to thank her tutor Eve Millstein, Rabbi Paula, Shelly, and Loren for helping prepare her for her bat-mitzvah.
Sylvie Scherer June 17 2023
Sylvie Scherer is in 7th grade at Washington Heights Expeditionary Learning School (WHEELS). She plays violin with the ISO at Third Street Concert Orchestra and recently acted in a school production of Once on this Island. Sylvie enjoys reading, baking, and spending time with her friends. She is a loving big sister to Lena and Daniel. Sylvie has been attending Hebrew Tabernacle Hebrew school since the Aleph class. She is grateful to her Hebrew school teachers, Rabbi Paula, Shelly, and her tutor Eve Millstein for their support in helping her prepare for her bat mitzvah. For her mitzvah project, she worked with Dos Puentes, her elementary school, on a clothing and supplies drive for asylum-seeking families who have recently joined the school community. Sylvie is a lifelong resident of Washington Heights and loves living in New York City.
Aaron Ko May 13, 2023
Aaron is in 7th grade at The School at Columbia. His favorite subjects are math and science, but he is an avid reader as well. Outside of school, Aaron is a member of the Condors swim team in Westchester, and he also is an excellent guitarist and downhill skier. He was born in Chelsea, grew up on the Upper West Side, and moved here to Hudson Heights in 2020. Since moving here, he attended Hebrew Tabernacle Hebrew School, where he was lucky enough to study with Rabbi Ben Dyme. He also was fortunate to be introduced to Susan Gellert-Gershonowitz for additional Hebrew lessons, and she has remained an incredible mentor and friend. In addition to Susan, Aaron is grateful to Rabbi Paula, Shelly, and Susan Edelstein, his extraordinary Bar Mitzvah tutor.
Aaron is big brother to 10-year-old Jordan, and 4-legged Picasso. He adores burgers, sushi, and dumplings. He is smart, funny, and caring. He loves to make people laugh, and to help anyone in need. We are so proud of him and look forward to celebrating his Bar Mitzvah at Hebrew Tabernacle.
Samuel Maurice Sesquin May 6, 2023
Born May 1, 2010, in NYC, Samuel Maurice Sesquin is named after his paternal grandfather, Maurice Sesquin.
Sam loves soccer, cats, video games, spicy food, playing the saxophone, and summer camp. He enjoys spending time in the Catskills with his parents, Stéphane and Mandy, and his younger brother, Jonah. He also loves visiting his family in France, where he indulges in cheese, and western New York, where wings are the things.
Sam joined his many friends at the Hebrew Tabernacle Hebrew School during sixth grade. He is grateful to our neighbor Susan Gellert, for helping him learn to read Hebrew, and his tutor, Susan Edelstein, who guided him so patiently through his Bar Mitzvah preparation. For his mitzvah project, he spent many Sundays volunteering with the residents at the YMHA of Washington Heights.
He is looking forward to sharing this important milestone with the HT community, friends and family from all over the world.
Boaz Garelik March 11, 2023
Boaz is in 7th grade at TAG Young Scholars, where he is on the student council, plays basketball during every recess, and has never once eaten school lunch. He spent his first ten years in Washington Heights, playing in Bennett Park, getting chips from the deli, and living on Fresco’s pizza. He moved to Riverdale in 5th grade, where he now dines frequently at Palace of Japan and stocks up on 2 for $3 candy at Walgreens.
Boaz is big brother to Lior, his greatest fan and also frequent sparring partner. Boaz loves playing basketball, is a huge Giannis Antetokounmpo fan, and lives on his X Box.
Boaz has been coming to the Hebrew Tabernacle since Tot Shabbat as a two year old. He started Hebrew School in Kindergarten, and is grateful to Shelly, Rabbi Paula, his Bar Mitzvah tutor Eve, his teachers and many friends.
Boaz is a huge lover of life. People gravitate towards his amazing sense of humor, his kindness, and his joy. We are so proud to watch him become a Bar Mitzvah and to be a part of the wonderful Hebrew Tabernacle community.
