Costa Rica is well-known as an ecological oasis and as the home of the world’s most unusual tropical birds and other exotic animals.

It’s the perfect family destination – new and exciting outdoor adventures for all ages! And, a gorgeous setting for your Bar/Bat Mitzvah sacred ceremonies!

Rain Forest canopy – Costa Rica ——– photo by Comrogues

Read more about our Costa Rica program here!

The historic St. Thomas Synagogue in the U.S. Virgin Islands has expanded its availability for Bar & Bat Mitzvah services.

Now, our Bar/Bat Mitzvah Vacations families have many more options for celebrating this important milestone. In particular, your family Bar/Bat Mitzvah group can now cruise to the Caribbean aboard one of our recommended cruise ships, such as Royal Caribbean’s Oasis of the Seas or Allure of the Seas, disembarking at St. Thomas for the day. After the sacred ceremonies at the Synagogue, pre-arranged by Bar Mitzvah Vacations, enjoy a catered lunch on the grounds or at an island restaurant, and be back aboard your floating vacation home in time to set off for the next port!

Oasis of the Seas - a Bar/Bat Mitzvah favorite to the Virgin Islands!

The Westin, St. John, USVI

Contact Ellen and her staff now to reserve your preferred Bar/Bat Mitzvah dates: we are now taking bookings through 2014.

You can also call Ellen Paderson at 508-238-4088. Mazel Tov!

Click here to read more about Bar Mitzvah Vacations’ many resort and cruise options in the U.S. Virgin Islands……no passports required!

Canals of Venice copyright Cfan via Dreamstime.

Bar/Bat Mitzvah celebrations in Italy are a unique and special feature of our Destination Bar/Bat Mitzvah Vacations. Clients love the beautiful Calabria location where our Bar/Bat Mitzvah rituals take place. They’re thrilled to spend time as a family exploring Italy’s ancient sites, shopping in modern cities, and eating gelato!   Some have wished there were an escorted tour to maximize their Italian experience, letting parents relax and keeping the kids engaged and enthralled. Now we can offer just such a tour!

A few highlights of our special Family Italy Discovery tour, July 4-14, 2013:

• Venice ● Florence ● Pisa ● Winery Visit & Pasta Making ● Rome ● Gladiator School

Ellen says:

“Book this tour early as we can only accept a limited number of family groups.
Call me right now to learn more about it. 

Or click here to see complete details of the tour!”

By reserving your place on this once-in-a-lifetime group adventure, you will join like-minded families who want a unique Bar/Bat Mitzvah experience focused on their child, without the stress and glare of the home spotlight. The intimate rural setting of southern Italy offers a low-key and casual, yet respectful, environment. An added bonus – you’re in Italy!

After completion of the Bar/Bat Mitzvah celebrations, your family and guests can relax and enjoy a follow-on escorted tour, specially designed for multi-generational family groups.

Reserve now! Read our detailed Tour Itinerary; then call with questions or to make your reservation. We look forward to including your family in this memorable Bar/Bar Mitzvah Vacations event! 

Read more about Bar/Bat Mitzvahs in Italy

Here’s a newspaper article about Ellen and the Italy Bar/Bat Mitzvah program!

Is a Destination Bar/Bat Mitzvah a good idea for your family?

Deluxe room at Peace Lodge, Costa Rica

Bar Mitzvah Vacations is proud to add Peace Lodge at La Paz Waterfall Gardens, Costa Rica, to our portfolio of Bar/Bat Mitzvah Vacation Destinations!

Located less than one hour from the San José (Juan Santamaria) Airport and only 20 minutes from the Poás Volcano, Peace Lodge offers the perfect setting for your family celebrations.  The exclusive services of our ‘Traveling Cantor’ will ensure that your Bar/Bat Mitzvah party enjoys both an uplifting spiritual experience and a unique adventure never to be forgotten.

The rustic yet elegant accommodations of Peace Lodge are in a rain forest theme that complements the inherent beauty of its rain and cloud forest setting.  Architectural details carry the theme throughout the property: every room boasts a Jacuzzi tub and a stone fireplace, as well as unique waterfall showers.  Enhancing the total-immersion experience are breathtaking views of the La Paz Valley.

Thinking of Costa Rica or another tropical venue as your Bar/Bat Mitzvah Vacation Destination? Contact Ellen now for help in deciding where to go, what to do and how to ensure that your child’s Bar/Bat Mitzvah experience is the best it can be!

Read more about Destination Bar/Bat Mitzvahs in Costa Rica

We are also offering an Exclusive Group Bar/Bat Mitzvah Cruise on the new Royal Caribbean Allure of the Seas in July, 2012. Read more about it!

Need more options? See our Caribbean Bar/Bat Mitzvah Vacations page for more ideas!

“It was so moving to stand inside this gem of a synagogue; envisioning the many members and visitors who have found peace and sanctuary here over the centuries”.
Ellen Paderson

Congregation Mikve Israel-Emanuel is the oldest synagogue in continuous use in the Western Hemisphere. Its Sephardic tradition dates back to 1651, when Jewish merchants emigrated from the Netherlands to develop trade between the Caribbean and Europe.

The Jewish Museum adjacent to the Synagogue holds treasures of Sephardic and Curacaoan culture.

Click here to read about Bar Mitzvah Vacations’ Curacao Bar/Bat Mitzvah options.

Read more about the history of Mikve Israel-Emanuel Synagogue.

The sand floor of the Curacao Synagogue tells a story!

Bar Mitzvah Vacations will be hosting families on a special 7 Night Western Caribbean Cruise aboard Royal Caribbean’s fabulous ‘resort at sea’, the Oasis of the Seas.

Sailing from Fort Lauderdale, our cantor will be onboard to conduct Bar/Bat Mitzvah services in the relaxing cruise ship environment. Your group of family and friends will enjoy all the amenities of the ship and ports of call as you celebrate your child’s coming of age in memorable style!

Fun for all the family aboard Oasis of the Seas! photo courtesy of RCCI.

Oasis of the Seas®, flagship of Royal Caribbean’s mega Oasis class, offers your family an unparalleled cruise adventure. Explore Oasis‘s seven different neighborhoods with features such as Starbucks® at Sea, Broadway hit musicals in the main theater, and favorite moments with Shrek, Po the panda, and more friends in the DreamWorks® Experience!

Enjoy the full-service Vitality^SM Spa with thermal suite and an extensive treatment menu, as well as Oasis’s fabled state-of-the-art Fitness Center, with classes like yoga and tai chi.

Click here to see Ellen's tour of the Oasis on our YouTube Channel!

If the week of November 23 is not convenient for your family, Bar/Bat Mitzvah Vacations has many other cruise- and land-based options available. Our Destination Bar/Bat Mitzvah experts will find a vacation experience that will be the perfect match for your family and friends.

We offer onboard cruise credit for each and every cruise ship cabin booked for your family and friends. Other discounts are available based on the number of people in your group.

Contact Ellen today

to participate in this special Destination Bar/Bat Mitzvah Cruise Vacation!

“I told Ellen I wanted a family event for 18 people, ages 12 (Bat Mitzvah girl Hannah) to 76. It had to be close to Hannah’s birthday (mid-winter) and in a warm place. We wanted to focus on family rather than a big affair. We liked the idea of celebrating for a week in a relaxed atmosphere, while maintaining the religious significance. Ellen was easy to work with at every step.”

Donna, Bat Mitzvah Mom

See our St. Thomas Bat Mitzvah story

Learn more about our Bar/Bat Mitzvah options in the U.S. Virgin Islands (no passports needed!)