About Us
We are a tutoring company specializing in bar/bat mitzvah preparation, offering services in Torah reading, or leining, Jewish prayer, also known as davening, other Jewish rituals, and divrei Torah (speeches). At Kadma V'Azla (pronounced Kadmá Veh-oz-lá), we believe in guiding students beyond their bar/bat mitzvahs, focusing on their personal growth and connection to Judaism. Working with parents and child to determine the materials they will lead, we then design our tutoring sessions around each student's personality and interests, creating a serious but fun environment, and empower students to take charge of their mitzvah preparation, making the experience both meaningful and enjoyable. Our goal is to instill a deep appreciation for Jewish rituals and teachings. Click on the Packages section for more information on what we offer. Then contact us for a free consultation. We look forward to hearing from you!
Our Philosophy
Kadma V’Azla, the name for one Torah note in particular, means to move ahead, or advancement, reflecting one of our core values: For our students, the mission does not stop with preparing to lead at their bar/bat mitzvah. It represents the beginning of the beginning of their Jewish adulthood, a time when they start thinking more deeply about their connection to Judaism and their overall value system. To help facilitate this journey, we consider all facets of our students while taking into account their learning needs. We prioritize getting to know them and seeing them as unique individuals, tailoring our sessions to align with their interests, hobbies, learning styles, and personal goals. Through empowering our students to customize their own bar/bat mitzvah prep experience, we create a meaningful and fun environment, presenting Judaism as relevant and cool. It is this vibe that we aim to impart, helping our students move forward with an everlasting love and appreciation for Jewish ritual leadership, engagement, and learning.
The Kadma V'Azla Team
Meet our talented and passionate team dedicated to helping students embark on their bar/bat mitzvah journey.
Ariel Hoffman
President & Tutor
Ariel has worked in advertising and media throughout his entire career. Currently a Salesforce manager at Ampersand Inc., an ad tech company, he previously worked at ESPN & Disney in their sales operations department. Hailing from Teaneck, New Jersey, he went to Yeshiva day school through 12th grade. He took a gap year in Israel before heading to the University of Maryland, where he studied History and Spanish, and then to NYU Stern, where he received his MBA. He began teaching kids for their bnai mitzvah soon after graduating college, focusing on Torah and Haftarah reading and leading Tefillah. Once he moved to New York City, he gradually built up a customer base, connecting with various schools and shuls primarily in Manhattan. Ultimately, he expanded into a part-time small business. In his free time, he can be found on a tennis court, going on excursions, traveling, playing piano, or going down a deep rabbit hole of funny animal content on social media.
Shosh Balk
Consultant & Tutor
Shosh is the Assistant Head of Judaic Studies at the Shefa School, where she specializes in teaching and designing curriculum for dyslexic and language-impaired students. She received her master's degree from Bank Street College of Education, where she published her thesis on the importance of imaginative play during the middle school years. Over the course of her 13 years in Jewish education, Shosh has taught and directed Jewish life at SAR, Ramaz, Heschel, and Luria. She also taught English as a Second Language in India with the Gabriel Project of Mumbai and in East Jerusalem with the TALMA Teaching Fellowship. In 2024, Shosh was honored as a Young Jewish Pioneer by The Jewish Education Project. Shosh was a high school musical director prior to her teaching career, and she continues to be involved in musical projects. For the past decade, she has trained B'nai Mitzvah students in reading Torah, Haftarah, the Megillot, writing and delivering Divrei Torah, and leading Tefillah.
Benji Berlin
Tutor
Benji is a senior at SAR high school. An avid tennis and pickelball player, he is also an excellent leiner and has already garnered experience teaching kids for their bar mitzvahs. In addition to teaching kids for their bar mitzvahs, he has also worked at Camp Morasha, adding to his experience working with younger kids. He is excited to join the team!