Lech L'Cha

Eliza S., Nov 5, 2011, Cong Hillel B'nai Torah

Eliza closes out the year for your class. You were first, she is last in what was a perfect year and a half of celebration! You weren't able to go to hers, because we were also invited to Eden's, but there was a sense of melancholy and sentimentality for the last party of the class. Sorry you had to miss it.

Eden. O., Nov 5, 2011, Newton Center Minyan

You have been friends with Eden in drama and through Odessa, and it was a pleasure to see her take the lead in her services yesterday. She was poised and articulate, and her d'var was most interesting; she looked at the concept of "beauty" in our modern world, as Sarah's beauty was admired far and wide in the parshah. She commented on the Eishat Chayal, and then drew in her mitzvah project of collecting clothes for Dress for Success. Her party was at Gann Academy, where the space was transformed into a lovely party of pomegranates and Israeli dancing.

It was a perfect end to a season of celebration.

Noah

Anna Kim, October 29, 2011, Temple Shalom of Newton

We are definitely on the home stretch...Anna is a friend from camp who most wonderfully reminds you of BFF Hannah in Shanghai. Her father is Korean, mom is American, and she is a beautiful and wonderful friend. The services were at Temple Shalom, a trip down memory lane since that is where you went to Nursery School when we moved to Boston exactly 10 years ago. During the kiddush, I walked to the basement to see the school, and it was just as I remembered it. The party was on a snowy October night at the Charles Hotel. It took me all day to update the blog, as we've been out of power since last night.

Next week is Eden, and Eliza, who is the last of your class.

Haazinu

Natalie (and Alexa) P., October 1, 2011, party at Sheraton Needham, MA

Natalie joined your class in the 7th grade, and took the year to catch up in Hebrew and Judaic studies, to celebrate her Bat Mitzvah with her sister Alexa today. They belong to the Chabad of Chestnut Hill, but they prepared for minyan at Rashi the same way that you did.

Natalie and Alexa have been part of drama with you, and are naturals on stage in dance and song. The party was fun, combining the 7th and 8th grades for a big Rashi kid party.

Mazel Tov

Nitzavim-Vayelech

Peri S., Sept 24, 2011 Blue Hills Country Club, Canton, MA

Peri had a late afternoon service and very fancy party after. One of her uncles made a film called "So you think you can Dance" for the famous dancer in your grade. Peri is also an accomplished piano player, I recall her at a recital once. As you arrived quite late back at the bus stop Goldie, you sent me a text about how much fun the evening was with a little "tee hee" at the end!

The class Bar and Bat Mitzvahs are winding down, only 2 to go. It's been a good start to 8th grade.

Ki Tavo

Eliza S. September 17, 2011 Temple Beth Zion, Brookline, MA

The Rabbi told Eliza that she hit a grand slam today. And she did. She was fantastic after a rough week of being sick. She led the services and chanted torah with so much ease. She spoke of charity, the parshah talking about giving a portion of our earnings to those in need. I'm sure it was because of her father's work that she could teach of the proportion of wealthy and poor in the world. You have come to know Eliza as a good friend through drama and student council, she is a great leader in your class.

Ki Tetzei

Juliet P., September 10, 2011, Temple Israel, Boston, MA

After a great summer, Juliet starts the handful of final Bat Mitzvahs that take place during 8th grade. Juliet is a friend from school and camp, and so you were excited to be with the girls of Bunk 21 all day, and then through the night at Juliet's house. Temple Israel is where Juliet's father was a Rabbi for many years, so all the "clergy" wanted to participate. I was disappointed to miss the services, but as luck would have it, you "butt" dialed me during the service, and I got to hear Aleynu!

Re'eh

Samantha P, August 27, 2011, Valley Beth Sholom, Encino CA

As we prepare for hurricane Irene here in Boston, we wish we were in LA celebrating with Samantha and her family! Dad and Samantha's father are cousins, we attended their wedding together before we were married. We reconnected with them when we took the prenatal classes together at Tarzana Hospital, Stephanie and I sharing our experiences of marrying someone Persian! And then you and Samantha went to nursery school together at the West Valley JCC! Though we moved to Boston, we have managed to stay in touch, meeting them on the east coast when they visit, and swimming at their home when we are in LA. We saw Samantha, Josh, Stephanie and Nick this summer in CT (Sydney was at camp, you were in LA) and Samantha shared with us her passion for baking cakes. I hope this weekend is the icing on the cake!

Naso

Becca T., Saturday June 4, 2011 Temple Beth El, Belmont, MA

Becca is a friend from camp. Her Bat Mitzvah was very nice, she included other friends from camp who go to her temple in her service. I met her after kiddush, and I noticed how deep her voice was. You told me that her singing voice was different, and that her chanting was actually very nice. Her party was at the Community Rowing in Brighton, but it coincided with Moriah's Bat Mitzvah.

Facebook update:

‎4 DAYZ TIL MY BDAY!
12 DAYZ TIL NO MORE SKOOL!
49 DAYZ TIL EISNER SECOND SESSION!

Moriah J., Saturday June 4, 2011 Boston Harbor Hotel, Boston, MA

Moriah is another classmate since Kindergarten. Her Bat Mitzvah was at the hotel where Uncle Bob and Aunt Lisa got married some 16 years ago. The beauty of the waterfront has not changed, and it is an ideal place to enjoy and appreciate Boston. The services overlooked the harbor, and the party was in several rooms catering to the kids and the adults. Since she had a Mincha Bat Mitzvah, her torah portion was actually Behaalotecha, the same as yours.

This was the perfect end to a simply amazing year. It was crazy at times; tiring, figuring out logistics of being in more than one place at a time, what to wear (!!!) and missing going to our own synagogue, but I don't think we would trade it for anything in the world. Being with friends every week, from school, camp, or family friends, and seeing this rite of passage in the myriad of synagogues and party venues was just great. I felt proud to take you every weekend, knowing that every Shabbat you were a little more mature, a little more aware of the community. There are a few more for your class in the fall, and then we are off until Jacob's year. I really can't wait.

With Love,

Mom

Bamidbar

Ally D., Saturday May 28, 2011 Malibu Jewish Center, Malibu, CA (didn't attend!)

Goldie, Ally was your first friend in Nursery School at the JCC in West Hills, CA. Her aunt Joy was our Mommy and Me teacher, and she couldn't wait for you to meet her niece Ally, and for me to meet her sister Stacy. Once they moved to Los Angeles, we all became fast friends. And when we moved to Boston the following year, it was hard to say goodbye! It would have been nice to see Ally all grown up at her Bat Mitzvah. We have been to this temple, too, in Malibu. It's where Ally's cousin Eric's Bar Mitzvah was a few years ago, and it is spectacular.

Samantha R., Saturday May 28, 2011, Temple Kol Tikveh, Woodland Hills, CA (didn't attend!)

Samantha is also one of your longest time friends, having been born a few months before you when we lived in LA. Samantha's mom is one my "oldest" friends, we were in high school together, college roommates, and most memorably, lived on Cape Cod for a summer together during college. We always get together in LA when we visit family, which has enabled you to keep in touch with Samantha and her sister Alex. We had the opportunity to see Samantha and her family this past April at Passover.

Amy W., Saturday May 28, 2011, Temple Israel, Sharon, MA

Maybe Amy is one of your longest time friends, too? When you were a few months old, Amy and her parents visited us in LA, and we had a grand outing to the Getty Museum, and lots of fun. Amy's mom and I have been friends since we were kids, and Amy's dad and I have known each other a long time, too, having planned High Holiday services together for singles some 20 years ago. It was coincidence that I knew them both before they met. You have managed to stay friendly with Amy, sharing your love of theater.

Amy's Bat Mitzvah party had a Broadway theme--each table had a poster from a different show, and in between the fun dancing and games, the DJ led us in songs from many of the shows. Amy's candle lighting ceremony was actually dubbed "Amy's Awards Ceremony" where she gave out little statuettes, and applicable show tunes played upon acceptance. Very clever design, and very festive. A "Wicked" awesome time!

Jillian A., Saturday May 28, 2011, Temple Beth Sholom, Needham, MA

When you were in 3rd grade, Jillian came to look at Rashi School, and you were her buddy for the day. Then after you spent 2 years in Shanghai, and returned to Rashi, Jillian was your "buddy" for the beginning of Middle School. Though Jillian has left Rashi, you still see her occasionally, and it is fitting to be able to celebrate her Bat Mitzvah with the class this weekend.

I wish we could have made it to all the parties and celebrations this weekend.

Bechukotai

Max A., May 21, 2011, Temple Israel, New Rochelle, NY

Max is one of the most outgoing, and personable kids you met at camp, and one of your first friends there. Always the life of the party, and always a good friend. Max came from far for your Bat Mitzvah, and I am pleased to take you to his. When I picked you up late at night at the temple, you said, "Mom, did you know that Max's mom could sing?" Well, considering I only met Max's mom once or twice, I didn't know that. She sang a moving song to Max, one that she hadn't sung in years. And it was quite memorable. "Party to the Max!"

Behar

Jacob L., May 14, 2011, Temple Israel Boston

Jacob's Parshah is Behar, which happened to be mine 35 years ago.....yes, your mother is old. Sounds like Jacob did a great job, and the party was fun, especially hanging out with Odessa and Eden. Jacob was in your kindergarten class at Rashi, and his mom used to give me hand me down items with his name on it...for our Jacob!

This busy year is winding down, with only a few weeks left. It's amazing that your Bat Mitzvah was almost a year ago. Next weekend in NY for Max, after that family friends, and then one more school and camp friend. That will wrap it up for the school year....but there's a few more in the fall.

Emor

Isaac J., May 7, 2011, Temple Shir Tikvah, Wayland, MA

Mazel tov to Isaac and his family. Isaac had a very moving service, with our friend and his Rabbi Neal Gold. It was another witnessing of a family so involved in their synagogue, that the Rabbi spoke in an intimate way to the Bar Mitvah. And in most cases, parents have a few words for the Bar Mitzvah; in this case when your mother is a cantor, those dreams and wishes for your get sung to you. It was beautiful.

Isaac's Bar Mitzvah was originally planned for Israel, but when plans changed, the family decided to bring Israel to the guests by planting trees in our honor. It was a very special gesture. The kiddush lunch was a perfect following to the services.

Tali S. May 7, 2011, Congregation Kehillat Israel, Brookline, MA

Tali's Bat Mitzvah was at the same time as Isaac's, but you had the chance to attend her party in the evening at the MIT Faculty Club. It was fun and festive, but tiring after a long week in Washington DC.

Kedoshim

Kent Z., April 30, 2011, Temple Hillel B'nai Torah

Unfortunately, you took the day off to recover from a sick day.......this service and party was on your schedule, but a day of rest was more needed. You took a quick peak at the party Saturday night, after an hour declaring "I'm tired!"

I'm sure that Kent did a good job and his celebration was fun.

And now it's time for the trip to DC before a busy weekend next week.

Acharei Mot

Abigail K. , April 16, 2011, Temple Emanuel Newton, MA

Another lovely service at Temple Emanuel, Abigail did a nice job. In addition to her Bat Mitzvah there was a baby naming. Sometimes you tend to forget that the synagogue has other things going on........and the congregation seemed to be filled with congregants, not only related to the Bat Mitzvah and baby.

This week the usher came to talk to the kids...but not to tell them to keep quiet. He came to solicit volunteers, and Isaac and Kent had the honor of holding the first torah during the haftorah reading. A proud moment.

The elegant party was at the Henderson House, which as Goldie and Sammy put it "was sooooo Abigail"!!

Rachel B., April 16, 2011, Temple Beth Elohim

Halfway through the night, we brought Goldie and Sammy to Rachel's party at TBE, conveniently close to the Henderson House. Rachel is in your bunk at camp, hooray for camp parties! It was a very lively and loud party, and I recognized a few faces when we dropped you off. It's good to be young and invited to many parties.

And it is good to have a weekend off for Passover next week! May is busier than April!

Metzora

Mikki J. , April 9, 2011 Temple Israel, Boston

Mikki was cool as a cucumber, leading the service, and teaching her torah portion. She looked beautiful, too! As the Rabbi said, she made a difficult torah portion into an interesting topic, and did it with ease and an appropriate sense of humor. He also mentioned how the Janower family had taught everyone in the congregation something about overcoming odds from sickness. So true.

We guessed right about the Fashion theme! Fun magazine pictures.

Rebecca N., April 9, 2011, Chabad of Lexington

An evening Havdallah and dessert at Chabad was led by Rebecca. She has transitioned into quite a lovely lady also. Good to be with our Chabad peeps! We enjoyed Italian champagne and home made rugelach and lots of beautiful pictures of Rebecca in Italy and San Diego, her two homes away from home.

Tazria

Lily V., April 2, 2011, Temple Beth Elohim, Wellesley, MA

Lily is one of your first friends from Rashi school, when you were in Ms. Farber's Kindergarten class! Only a few classmates remain at Rashi from that first year, when the class was young and very sweet. Lily was pretty nervous but the Rabbi and her parents were very calming.

Services were at the newly remodeled TBE, and the sanctuary was magnificent. The party was very fun, and included a Flash mob, a monkey (!!) and very creative face painting.

Bayla Bukiet, April 2, 2011, Chabad of Lexington, Lexington MA

The 5th daughter of Rabbi Bukiet, Bayla was at nursery school at the same time as you and Jacob at Chabad. Those were the years we really got to know the Bukiet family, and to enjoy Chabad. Dad and Jacob went to the services, and enjoyed Bayla's D'var Torah. Mazel Tov to the Bukiets.

Shemini

Ellen P., Newton Center Minyan, March 26, 2011

Today was a lovely service led by Ellen's mom, Ellen, and then her brother at the Newton Center Minyan, housed in the Hebrew College. It was truly a family event. And Ellen had the longest parshah, which she chanted with ease and confidence. Goldie you mentioned that it was long for her minyan earlier this week at Rashi, and you were right! Her dad spoke of her sense of humor, and when you describe your friend Ellen, it is also always about her sense of humor. Tonight is a party at BU Hillel, as both Ellen's parents are professors at BU. Another college party!

Shemini

Shi'al D., Tel Aviv, Israel, B'yom Shlishi, Tet Gimel B'Adar II (March 22, 2011)

The invitations came in an envelope this week for us, Soussan, Bijan and Albert in LA. This is Dad's cousin Jacob's son. We last saw Jacob when you were born Goldie, which means that his son was a few months old when he came with his parents to LA. Once we got the invitation translated (we could read it, but didn't understand it all) it was quite touching. Something to the effect of , I am growing up, it's time to put away the games and play, time to take things more seriously, time to do mitzvot.

Hopefully we get to Israel to meet him soon.

Vayikra

Ayden M., Congregation Hillel B'nai Torah, West Roxbury MA March 12, 2011

Ayden is one of your friends that shares a certain special experience with you....time in China. Ayden and her family lived in Xi'an for four months while we were in Shanghai. They came and spent a week with us in Shanghai, seeing the sites and celebrating Passover in only the way we can in China! And then we went to see the Terracotta Warriors and sites of Xi'an for a long weekend with them. It was all very fun, having another familiar family to travel with and make China not feel so big and foreign. I will never forget our Passover Jeopardy game, and cooking with Ayden's mom in our tiny kitchen.

Ayden was impressive today, leading the services and chanting Torah with her beautiful voice. Bruce and Jocelyn were beaming!

Carolyn P. Temple Beth Shalom, Needham, MA March 12,2011

After Ayden's services you went to Carolyn's party in Norwood. It all looked so fun! Good to be with the bunk of girls from Camp Eisner. Only 4 months to camp........

Pekudei

Zak S., February 26, 2011 Congregation B'nai Israel Subdbury, MA

Zak came to Rashi while we were in Shanghai, and once we returned, I realized that I knew his mom from growing up in Framingham. What a lovely surprise to have them at the Rashi School!

Zak was in your advisory group in 6th grade, which you loved. Zak was so calm and confident in his chanting and speech. His service was Mincha and Ma'ariv, with a party after. Here was another family so involved in their synagogue that the speeches from the clergy and leaders were very personal and beautiful. A nice way to end February vacation and start the spring avalanche of Bar and Bat Mitzvahs.

Terumah

Amir D, February 3, 2011 The Western Wall, Jerusalem, Israel

This week is Amir's Bar Mitzvah. We had planned to attend in Israel, as it was going to coincide with February vacation in a few weeks. When the date was changed we had a collective sad sigh, knowing that we couldn't make it this week. Our good friends moved to Caesaria, Israel last summer, and we miss them a lot. Thursday Amir will lead services at the Wall, and over the weekend they are at their synagogue in Caesaria. Jackie is my friend from college, who married Liora, related by marriage to Ira. We connected with them a few years ago, thanks to Naderah in NY, Ira and Liora's cousin. Our families have been together for holidays, Shabbat, and Shabbatons. Jackie is like Ira's younger brother, they look alike and from wherever they are in the world, they call to wish each other Shabbat Shalom every week.

Amir has turned into quite a young man, we are sorry to miss his big day.

Matthew S. February 6, 2011 , Congregaton B'nai Yisrael, Armonk, NY

We were planning to go to NY for Matt's Bar Mitzvah with Sammy and Lola for the day, but the Winter Weather Advisory says snow and sleet for Westchester County... the girls are still sleeping over, and we will have a nice day in honor of Matt right here in our own Winter Wonderland.

Mishpatim

Abby A., Temple Israel, Boston, January 29, 2011

Amidst the snow banks and snow days off from school, a beautiful sunny day and a warm Bat Mitzvah! Abby did a great job leading the congregation and reading from the Torah. (Your family attended much to your dismay!) She's a small dynamo, much more powerful than her size. She was on the Bimah with another boy from the congregation, and they complemented each other well. His speech was memorable in that he sang a John Lennon song, when he compared Jeremiah from the haftorah, to John Lennon. Imagine.

Bo

Daniel T., Community Synagogue, Rye NY, January 8, 2011


Today we went to NY for D-Taz's Bar Mitzvah, a friend from camp. We got up early and left in the snow, with a lot of excitement. Daniel and his twin sister Emily had a nice service, and a very fun party right after at an Arcade/events space in Ardsley. The party gave me a chance to visit with a friend who lived in Shanghai with us, who now lives in that area. It was a long day, but worth every minute to be with the camp gang: Sammy, Max, Lola, Matt, D-Taz. You were almost as excited about the Jac Vanek bracelets.


Sophia K-L, Temple Hillel B'nai Torah, West Roxbury, January 8, 2011


We rushed back from NY to change for Sophia's party, at the nearby Arlington Town Hall. Though you were late, you were ushered in by friend Jessica, and I'm sure you were right on time for more fun. Good thing you napped in the car on the way home. Congratulations Sophia!