Hazzan Abraham Betesh's Mission
Hazzan Abraham Betesh is an accomplished educator with over 30 years of teaching experience in the Sephardic community. He is one of very few educators today who possess extensive knowledge and expertise surrounding traditional Sephardic Q’eria, Pizmonim, and Hazzanut. Throughout his renowned career, Hazzan Abraham has instructed hundreds of children in precise Torah reading, passing down the storied Syrian accent and dialect to a new generation. A great number of prominent Hazzanim today can point to Hazzan Abraham as the source of their success.
After recognizing the endangered status of much of the traditional Sephardic Torah dialect, Hazzan Abraham has made it his mission to educate, instruct, and inspire members of our community to not only preserve a core piece of our collective identity, but to restore it for generations to come.
My Services
Personalized Bar Misvah Tutoring
When preparing for their Bar Misvah, it’s important to acknowledge that every child has their own skill level. That’s why I’ve crafted a unique approach in which each Torah reading and Tefillah lesson is custom-tailored to your son’s specific needs. Not only will they learn to read from the Torah and Siddur in a traditional Sephardic dialect—they’ll be prepared at a pace that’s comfortable and intuitive to them.
One-on-One Q’eria, Pizmonim, & Hazzanut Tutoring
Learning how to read from the Torah, sing traditional songs, and lead prayer services are vital skills that almost anyone can learn. My private tutoring experience in these areas extends from ages young* and old, as well as with special ed students. Whether you’d like your child to learn Q’eria according to Sephardic custom, or you yourself are interested in perfecting your skills as a Hazzan, there’s a private program in store specifically for your needs.
*Ages 6 and up
One-on-One Torah, Nevi’im, Ta’amim Tutoring (Boys & Girls)
Under my specialized tutoring, your child* can hold a firm grasp on multiple areas of Torah study, including Humash, Navi, and Ta’amim (Cantillation). Paced for their skill level, they’ll receive the attention they need to excel and succeed in understanding the depth and complexity of our texts and traditions.
*Boys and girls ages 6 and up
Group Lessons for Pizmonim
Pizmonim can be even better when learned in a group! With separate groups for boys and girls, I can instruct entire families or sets of friends at once in learning our traditional songs, complete with the correct pronunciations and cadence. To learn if your group* is eligible to receive expert Pizmonim choir lessons, reach out and provide me with details of your group members. The community’s newest choir awaits!
*Minimum groups of 4
After-School Programming in Jersey Shore
In addition to my various private tutoring services, I’m proud to provide a comprehensive after-school program at Ohel Yishak Shul at 108 Allen Avenue in Allenhurst, New Jersey. Between two separate time slots for different age groups, children come together under my dedicated instruction to learn Q’eria, Humash, Navi, and study surrounding assorted holiday customs.
Your child can join one of two dynamic groups to take part in this exciting and educational program!
Group A (3rd - 6th Grade): Mondays and Wednesdays from 3:45 - 4:45 PM.
Group B (7th - 12th Grade): Tuesdays and Thursdays from 3:45 - 4:45 PM.
Get in touch today to learn how your child can benefit from this engaging program!
Women’s Intro to Hebrew & Tefillah Group Classes
Ever wished you had the chance to learn Hebrew? Well, now, you can! Regardless of your background or previous level of familiarity, this women’s group* class teaches the basics of reading Hebrew, complete with proper pronunciations and traditional Sephardic dialect. Not only will you learn an introduction to Hebrew, but you’ll also learn it in practice as it relates to Tefillah and prayer.
This engaging and informative group class imparts vital skills and knowledge regarding our language and traditions—there’s so much waiting to be gained!
*Minimum groups of 2
Words of Gratitude from Families
Whether my two sons are in New Mexico, Idaho or New York, Abraham is committed to working with them on a weekly basis. Both of my children look forward to their lessons with Abraham. They often comment on his precise pronunciation and his ability to explain exactly what is necessary for correct pronunciation. Abraham is incredible, a life saver, a gem.
Hazzan Abraham has become part of the family! From the oldest to the youngest he is always willing to help. At my son's bar misvah so many people asked who taught him his part Abe made sure every letter was read to perfection.
I highly recommend Hazzan Abraham for anyone seeking an outstanding Hebrew tutor. His engaging teaching style has been a game-changer for my children. Under his guidance, my younger son gained confidence, becoming more active in school. For my older son, Hazzan Abraham’s thorough and meaningful approach to Bar Misvah preparation was invaluable. His passion for teaching and ability to connect with kids is truly remarkable. Hazzan Abraham is not just a tutor; he’s a mentor who positively impacts his students’ lives.
Abraham is an excellent Hazzan and teacher. He gave me the tools to take my reading to the next level. The best part about working with him is that he made reading interesting and fun without losing attention to detail. I have learned a lot from him and my confidence in reading has grown a great deal as a result. I look forward to continuing learning and improving while working with him.
Contact me to sign up and get more info.
