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!