The Neshamah Institute Reviews

Rachel Mellion 2026.06.06

     

Our son, Ian, prepared for his Bar Mitzvah through Neshamah Institute, and we could not have asked for a better experience. His teacher, Ms. Shelley, was wonderful, patient, and incredibly supportive throughout the process. Rabbi Amy was warm, inspirational, and created an environment where Ian felt comfortable, relaxed, and confident. She made the experience meaningful, enjoyable, and truly special for him. One of the highlights was the Friday night Shabbat service before Ian’s Bar Mitzvah. Our extended family attended, and Rabbi Amy made everyone feel welcome and included. The service encouraged participation, and it was meaningful to see family members of all ages actively engaged together in the celebration. Rabbi Amy’s beautiful singing and the lively, modern music created an inviting atmosphere that was both uplifting and accessible, even for family members who were less familiar with the service. We also appreciated the Institute’s emphasis on community and giving back. As a family, we participated in service projects, including providing meals for elderly community members during Thanksgiving and supporting foster families at a family fun day. These experiences reinforced the values that were such an important part of Ian’s Bar Mitzvah journey. Neshamah Institute offers much more than Bar Mitzvah preparation—it creates a warm, supportive community that fosters learning, connection, and service. We are grateful for the guidance, encouragement, and memorable experiences that helped make this milestone so meaningful for our family.

Useful Report

Reply from The Neshamah Institute 2026.06.08

Ian was a superstar student and came such a long way in a short time! We were so impressed and happy to see him lead with such confidence on the bima on his day. Your whole family jumped into this process so openly and shared Shabbat and our mitzvah work and I'm so delighted Ian had such a well-rounded Jewish education. Thank you Rachel - I'm looking forward to many more happy occasions with your family.

M Barack 2026.06.02

     

Our experience with Neshamah has been wonderful, and we have been warmly welcomed into a really amazing community. The bat mitzvah process for our daughter was very special, and we have received so many compliments about how warm, inclusive and great the service was...Rabbi Radar and her amazing team (Lori, Jennifer, Kira and Shelley) helped prepare our daughter in a caring and thoughtful manner, and worked with her to make the service very tailored to her. Their encouragement and support was invaluable and made everything run smoothly! We are already looking forward to our next mitzvah!!!

Useful Report

Reply from The Neshamah Institute 2026.06.02

Thank you! Your daughter was a really thoughtful and bright student. I loved hearing all her questions and curiosity about the whole Bat Mitzvah. And her chanting on the bima was something I will always remember. Mazal tov to your whole family! See you back in Hebrew School soon :)

Tarra Helfgott 2026.05.12

     

Neshamah feels like home to me 💙 Such an incredible Rabbi and community. I found this beautiful place shortly after moving to Florida 3 years ago, and from the moment I walked in, I felt something special. I immediately gravitated toward the warmth of the people, the sense of belonging, and the feeling it brought me back to of being at sleepaway camp… connected, welcomed, and fully myself. Over time, it became so much more than just a place I attended. It became a community that grounded me, inspired me, and made Florida truly start to feel like home. A year ago, I joined the choir, and now I sing at the monthly Shabbats and High Holidays, which has made me feel even more connected. Music, spirituality, community, joy… it all comes together in such a meaningful way there. If you’ve never experienced Neshamah, I truly encourage you to try it. Whether you’re deeply connected to Judaism, exploring spirituality, looking for community, or simply wanting a place where you can just be yourself, there is something really special about it ✨”

Useful Report

Reply from The Neshamah Institute 2026.05.12

Tara you are such an important part of our community! Thank you for all the love and beautiful music you bring to the bima.

Stuart Davidson 2026.05.11

     

Beyond her sharp and impressive intellect, Rabbi Rader has a unique gift for listening—something sorely lacking these days. She is warm, works incredibly hard for this community, and is deeply passionate about teaching the meaning of being a Jew—not just our children for their Bar and Bat Mitzvahs, but adults to remain connected to their faith. I personally cherish every opportunity I have to talk to her about some of life’s most challenging issues. I only wish I had a someone like her to talk to when I was a teenager.

Useful Report

Reply from The Neshamah Institute 2026.05.11

Thank you Stuart! You ask great questions and challenge the status quo of Judaism which I really appreciate! We all have work to do to bring the best of religion and spirituality to our world. Thank you for sharing this mission with me and Neshamah. More debates / conversation on deck!

Shari Notowitz 2026.05.11

     

The Neshama Institute was everything we could have asked for and more. They are so accommodating and personalized. From Hebrew tutors, to speech writing to Rabbi Rader’s warmth, our grandsons Bar Mitzvah experience was amazing! We couldn’t be happier!

Useful Report

Reply from The Neshamah Institute 2026.05.11

Noah was a superstar on the bima! Loved his big smile and joyful pride of all his studying and hard work. Mazal tov to your whole family!

Andi Kodsi 2026.05.11

     

We had all of our boys mitzvahs with Neshamah. We also attend annual services and absolutely love it. The love, warmth, and authenticity are second to none. I can't say enough about the unbelievable rabbi, the beautiful soulful music shared, and the friendly congregation. Thank you Neshamah for being my place for all these years!

Useful Report

Reply from The Neshamah Institute 2026.05.11

thank you Andi! You have been part of our family since the start and I loved sharing the full spectrum of Jewish life with you! To many more simchas ahead!

Mark Deutsch 2026.03.09

     

Our family was incredibly fortunate to have found Rabbi Amy Rader and the Neshamah Institute. We were searching for a way to offer our son a start to his Jewish education, beginning at the late age of 11, and a community that we could turn to easily practice our faith in a reformed setting and without judgement. Sure, we celebrated the holidays during the year, but my wife and I felt that our son needed a bit more learning, leading to his bar mitzvah, that would come less than 2 years later. The Neshamah Institute made my son, Daniel, (and us) feel welcome. My 11- 13 year old son even enjoyed the classes that he attended on Sundays, which in itself was a miracle. It was simple to see why...Rabbi Amy and her teachers Lori, Shelley, Kira, Jennifer and Cantor/Rabbi Sharon were kind, knowledgeable and taught with an open heart, sincerely wanting Daniel to succeed. He felt their warmth and they have a unique ability to remove any anxiety and fear associated with learning something new and with presenting in front of a room of friends and family. We are proud to say that Daniel had a beautiful Bar Mitzvah last week and it truly would not have been possible without the Neshamah Institute Team. Rabbi Amy is an wonderful, inspirational person and leader. She made us feel very welcome and lead us to wanting to attend monthly Shabbat Dinner and Services. If you are looking for a friendly, special place to informally practice your Jewish faith, give Neshamah a try. We are so thankful that we did.

Useful Report

Reply from The Neshamah Institute 2026.03.10

Thank you Mark! We adore Daniel and your family and are so grateful for your kind review. Daniel is such a gem and brought so much curiosity and joy to our classes. We are excited to continue sharing Jewish life together in the years to come! Mazal tov and many thanks!

robin 2026.02.17

     

Rabbi Radar was so supportive before during and after my mother’s funeral. Can’t say enough about the Neshamah model. So impressed we’re doing a scholarship in her memory!

Useful Report

Reply from The Neshamah Institute 2026.02.17

Thank you Robin! It was such an honor learning more about your brilliant mom, Sandy. We will continue educating our students in her memory!

Josh Eidenberg 2026.01.25

     

If you have been blessed with discovering The Neshamah Institute don’t think twice. God sent you 😉. You can visit the website now or expereince it through my lens over the years….👇 The Neshama Institute has become one of the most meaningful Jewish communities for me and my family. We love attending their monthly Shabbat services—including the truly magical ones on the beach—and our experiences during the High Holidays (Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur) have been especially powerful. The services are deeply musical, inclusive, and accessible, with a thoughtful blend of Hebrew, English, translation, interpretation, and reflection. It genuinely feels like it’s for everyone, regardless of background or level of observance. Growing up, I knew many of the prayers by heart—but I didn’t always know what I was actually saying or why. Rabbi Aimee has an extraordinary gift for bringing depth, meaning, and relevance to the prayers. Through her teachings, explanations, and framing, I feel truly connected to the words and intentions of the service in a way I never did before. One moment that really stood out was during Rosh Hashanah, when Rabbi Aimee invited everyone up for aliyah in large groups—it was inclusive, moving, and deeply communal. That spirit of belonging runs through everything Neshama does. I also love Rabbi Aimee’s weekly Shabbat emails; they consistently offer insight, reflection, and grounding. I’m 36 and my fiancé is 38, and we feel completely at home here. We see people of all ages and stages of life, and it’s rare to find a Jewish community that feels this welcoming, thoughtful, and alive. I would wholeheartedly encourage other young Jewish couples—and anyone seeking meaning, connection, and soul—to attend and experience Neshama Institute. Deeply grateful for this community and everything it offers.

Useful Report

Reply from The Neshamah Institute 2026.01.25

Josh, thank you for sharing your Neshamah experience here! You are an essential part of our community and I've loved watching you grow and expand in your Judaism over the recent years. Looking forward to many joy filled moments ahead!

Susan G. 2025.12.23

     

I am so glad that I was introduced to Rabbi Amy and The Neshamah Institute at a time in my life when I was looking to connect to my faith. I felt immediately connected to Rabbi Amy’s modern interpretation of Judaism and the congregation has been warm and welcoming. I have participated in several mitzvah projects and have met many wonderful people, along with helping our community. I have found my “home”!

Useful Report

Reply from The Neshamah Institute 2025.12.24

I'm so happy you're part of our Neshamah family, Susan! You bring such a beautiful attitude and positivity to our community. So much more learning and growing is ahead! Welcome home :)

Rachel Cutler 2025.12.23

     

Nashma Institute Synagogue is an incredibly warm, welcoming, and inspiring community. Rabbi Rader is a truly exceptional rabbi—knowledgeable, thoughtful, and deeply caring. Her teachings are meaningful and relevant, and he has a rare ability to make everyone feel included and valued. The atmosphere at Nashma is uplifting and genuine, whether you’re attending services, learning, or just connecting with others. It’s a special place that nurtures both spiritual growth and a strong sense of community. Highly recommend to anyone looking for a synagogue that truly feels like home.

Useful Report

Reply from The Neshamah Institute 2025.12.23

Thank you Rachel! From your Bat Mitzvah to our adult cooking crew you are an inspiring member of our community!

Brent Routman 2025.12.23

     

Rabbi Rader and the Institute are remarkable. Loving, sensitive, and supportive. We couldn’t have asked for a more meaningful and comforting experience. Thank you.

Useful Report

Reply from The Neshamah Institute 2025.12.23

Thank you Brent! I loved seeing your family together and laughing about Sylvia and honoring her memory. Thank you for being part of our Neshamah family!

Rachel Kaplan 2025.11.25

     

Rabbi Amy and her entire staff at Neshamah Institute are incredibly professional, supportive, and dedicated to their students and families. Over the past year, my daughter had the pleasure of working with Lori to help her learn Hebrew for her Bat Mitzvah. As my daughter is a competitive dancer, Lori was beyond caring and flexible with her schedule to ensure Alexa practiced every week and was prepared for her service. Rabbi Amy treated us like family and we could not be happier with her patience and kindness she had for my daughter. Our guests were very impressed with the beautiful service Rabbi Amy helped create. Thank you from the Kaplan family!!!

Useful Report

Reply from The Neshamah Institute 2025.11.26

Thank you Rachel! We loved sharing this milestone with your family! Big mazal tovs from all of us!

Mayya Fishman 2025.11.18

     

My wedding was wonderful. Rabbi Rader is the best!

Useful Report

Reply from The Neshamah Institute 2025.11.18

Thank you Mayya! You were a beautiful bride and I love seeing you under the chuppah!

jessica evelson 2025.11.15

     

Since we joined The Neshama Institute we felt incredibly welcomed. Our son prepared his Bar Mitzvah here. Rabbi Rader , Jennifer, Carol, Shelly were all amazing and helped Lucas prepare for his special day! Keira was on top of everything as well as other staff at Neshama. We are incredibly thankful for everything!!

Useful Report

Reply from The Neshamah Institute 2025.11.16

Thank you Jessica! It was so memorable to see Lucas on the bima! He was confident and full of joy :) I'm so thrilled to share Jewish life with your family.

Jill Hodes 2025.10.29

     

Neshamah is not only a religious school, but an entire Jewish family. We have absolutely loved the Jewish education as well as the services and programming. We will always feel grateful to have found this home.

Useful Report

Reply from The Neshamah Institute 2025.10.30

Thank you Jill! We're 3 for 3 with outstanding Bnai Mitzvah in your family. Thank you for sharing your family with us!

Ellen Davis 2025.10.27

     

Neshama is so special, and Rabbi Rader’s services are warm, meaningful and welcoming. My son and daughter in law were married by Rabbi Rader and she truly made the connection between them shine through so beautifully. My family looks forward to celebrating many more simchas and a wonderful spiritual future with Neshama!

Useful Report

Reply from The Neshamah Institute 2025.10.28

What a beautiful couple and a wedding showered (just a few light rain drops) with so much love. Thank you for sharing this memorable day with me and our Neshamah community! Mazal tov!

Jennifer Cohen 2025.10.27

     

Neshamah Institute is a wonderful and inclusive place for learning about Jewish culture, traditions and theology. Rabbi Rader and the rest of the staff have created something truly special and serve the community in such a beautiful way. Both of our sons had the privilege of becoming a Bar Mitzvah under her guidance and we could not be more pleased to have chosen Neshamah as their home for carrying on such an important religious and cultural tradition. In chaotic times, the world needs more places of peace and learning like this!

Useful Report

Reply from The Neshamah Institute 2025.10.28

Thank you Jennifer. It was an honor to study with your sons and share this meaningful experience with your family. We are grateful that families like yours make your Jewish home with our community.

Elan Klein 2025.10.27

     

Our son recently had his Bar Mitzvah with Rabbi Amy at the Neshamah Institute. The feedback that we received from family and friends is a testament to the amazing work she puts in to creating a learning environment that is both enriching and enjoyable for the student. Our attendees were impressed that our son was able to co-lead the service, read from the Torah, provide engaging and informative speeches on several topics, and recite the prayers. Our son also enjoyed his time participating in Hebrew School. So much so that he would like to volunteer at Neshamah now that his Bar Mitzvah studies are complete. We are grateful to Rabbi Amy and the whole Neshamah staff for creating a warm and supportive environment for our son and all of her students.

Useful Report

Reply from The Neshamah Institute 2025.10.28

Thank you so much Elan! Emerson was a true Jewish young man on the bima with so much poise and knowledge. We are thrilled he'll be back as a teen tutor with our younger students. Mazal tov to Emerson and your family!

Sandy Gerstein 2025.10.27

     

For over 16 years, the Neshamah Institute has been an important part of our family’s Jewish life. We followed Rabbi Amy Rader when she started Neshamah, and it immediately felt like home. Our son continued his Bar Mitzvah training with her, and watching him truly connect to it was amazing. When we went to Israel for his Bar Mitzvah, Rabbi Rader (and her son!) joined us to tour, and she officiated at the Kotel. It was such a beautiful and meaningful experience for all of us. Over the years, we have celebrated so much with Neshamah: High Holidays, Sukkot, Neshamah Mamas, monthly Shabbat, Beach Shabbat, Mitzvah projects, Holocaust Remembrance Day, and more. My parents and in-laws have been involved for over 15 years, and have brought many of their friends into the Neshamah fold as well. The people here don’t feel like a congregation. It feels like family. Rabbi Rader has been there for us through the happiest celebrations and the hardest times. She officiated memorials for my grandparents, helped celebrate our 25th anniversary, my parents’ 60th, and so many birthdays and simchas. I’ve never felt such a personal connection to a rabbi or a Jewish community. The Neshamah Institute is truly our Jewish home. It’s where we feel connected, supported, and surrounded by people who care. We are so grateful to be part of this community.

Useful Report

Reply from The Neshamah Institute 2025.10.27

thank YOU Sandy! You have been instrumental in building Neshamah and guiding our mission to be an open door Jewish home for people of all backgrounds. We're so thrilled to share all of Jewish life with your family.