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.