Our Story
JBMS, the Jewish Bar & Bat Mitzvah Service, was created in 1994 by Jewish educator Owen ‘Mar’ Meldy. ‘Mar’ means ‘Mr’ in Hebrew and is also related to the word for ‘teacher.’ Raised in Los Angeles, Owen lived and worked in Israel, where he graduated the Hebrew University, Jerusalem. After specializing in Jewish Education in Los Angeles, Mar Meldy was put in charge of Bar/Bat Mitzvah training at Stephen S. Wise Temple where he was promoted to Program Director for the entire temple. Mar Meldy created and taught a highly successful spoken Hebrew language program at the University Of Judaism. Realizing that approximately 80% of all Jews in Los Angeles were not affiliated with any organized Jewish institution, temple or synagogue, Owen created JBMS, an independent Jewish educational program devoted to Bar/Bat Mitzvah for every Jew. JBMS serves Los Angeles and the greater Southern California area. The one-time fee is very reasonable, allowing every Jewish family to exercise its birthright of Bar/Bat Mitzvah and fulfill the mitzvah for their children. Since a religiously binding Bar/Bat Mitzvah service requires a Minyan of 10 adults, JBMS is pleased to provide you and your family with a beautiful and meaningful ceremony conducted in the location of your choice. 'Mar' Meldy's teaching approach conveys the beauty and personal significance of Judaism to the individual. Jewish concepts are presented as life relevant humanistic values that foster the personal development of each Bar or Bat mitzvah's life adventure into adulthood. You are invited to read testimonial letters written by families who have experienced the JBMS Study Program and Religious Service. Please contact us with any questions you may have in making your Bar/Bat Mitzvah ceremony all that you wish it to be.

Owen Meldy
Rest In Peace1942 - 2022