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!

Vayechi

Robyn I. , Temple Emanuel Newton, MA, December 18, 2010

Robyn's Bat Mitzvah was highly aniticpated...it's been a few weeks since a girl had a Bat Mitzvah from Rashi! She had a Mincha/Havdallah service, so that she actually did the first parshah from Sh'mot. Then after Havdallah, there was dinner and dancing. The theme was hockey! Robyn plays hockey on a boys team, the tables were named by hockey teams, and there were pucks with her name on it on every table. She shoots, she scores!

Vayigash

Sage W. December 11, 2010, Temple Beth Elohim, Wellesley, MA

Yeah! Camp friends! Goldie you can't wait for Bar and Bat Mitzvot of camp friends. Sage was in your bunk at Eisner last year.

Sage's invitation came via email...an effort to save paper. It also came with a website and a blog. Very 2010!

Your facebook update says it all:
Sage's Bat mitzvah was soooooo amazing! I was so happy to c:Suzanna, Rachel, Mollie, Carolyn, Della, Lola and others!

Vayeishev

Adin I., November 27, 2010 Temple Emeth, Chestnut Hill

Sandwiched between Thanksgiving and Chanukah, this Shabbat was special. Adin and the Rabbi both spoke of gratitude and of courage, the themes of the holidays this week. And they both related those themes to the parshah: the story of Joseph and his brothers. It was truly a proud moment for the Rabbi and the Congregation, as Adin's mom is the president of the synagogue. And Adin's dad was beaming when he chanted from the Torah.

Adin (the boy!) has also been in your classes since kindergarten; he has always had a very mild nature about him, he is thoughtful and polite. It is nice to see the boys in the class, both past and present, surround each other on the bimah every week. And very nice to see Zachary and Taylor, friends from the beginning of Rashi.

Adin's party is at CBS Scene at Patriot's Place. Should be fun!