Haazinu Sukkot

Julia P -A September 30, 2012, Temple Beth Shalom, Needham, MA

Doing double duty with Josh L is Rashi drama friend Julia P-A.  She acted in many plays with you Goldie, mostly with roles by your side.  She is a small girl with beautiful red hair, and a big personality.  It was nice of her to include you in the services and the garden backyard party (just like yours!).

Vayikra

Nathan S., March 24, Temple Aliyah, Needham, MA

Nathan's celebration started early Monday morning with minyan at Temple Aliyah in Needham. Goldie you invited yourself to this early morning prayer to see your good friend Nathan, who's Bar Mitzvah you will be missing while you are in Israel the same week. You have known for months, almost a year, that you wouldn't be here this week, and you and Nathan have been in some sort of denial over the fact. But you made up for it by being by his side for whatever you could be there for.

While you were in Israel, where we originally met Kamran and Dalida 15 years ago, we were in Needham with Rabbi Perkins, who 15 years ago married us in this very spot. Nathan did a fantastic job of chanting Torah and teaching of about the types of sacrifices in the parshah. We were honored with an aliyah during his reading, courtesy of the Rabbi. It was a very special day for all of us; and despite the fact that you weren't physically with us, you were with all of us that day. You and Nathan have a great bond that will carry you for many years to come.

Ki Tisseh

Odessa E., March 10, 2012, Temple Emanuel, Newton, MA

From Friday night to Saturday night, Goldie was by Odessa's side, as only good friends can be. Actually the week leading up to the celebration was beautiful to watch, the countdown, the support, the excitement.

Odessa read beautifully from the Torah, and the Rabbi spoke eloquently about her. In his sermon (which was sponsored by Nordstroms!!), he described Odessa as multi layered, shy and reserved on the outside, but full of passion on the inside. We get to see both of those sides, but Goldie, because you have such a close relationship with her, you enjoy the fun, spirited and talented sides of her. She is also beautiful on the inside and out.

Her party was one of the best you have ever been to, at BU Hillel. Cousin Amanda was one of the chaperones, the DJ was extremely fun, and the cow theme (Odis the Cow) was very unique and playful. The cake was also a big hit!

Mazel Tov and here's to good friends.

Yitro

Jess. D, February 11, 2012, Beth El Center, Belmont, MA

Jess did a beautiful job chanting torah and giving her d'var torah. She has a lovely voice! Her dad is a singer, also, and he sang his prayer for her. It was very moving.

This was the first Bat Mitzah that Jacob was invited to, on his own. Jess rides the bus with you guys in the mornings, and you have all become good friends. Jess is full of life, very funny, and talented. She had a bit of coughing spell during the torah service, but she persevered. The party was at the Arlington Town Hall, it was a lot of fun for all.