Lila K., Dec 1, 2012 Temple Beth Israel, Waltham, MA
As the parshah speaks of Jacob's wresting - with angels, with himself, Lila described the struggle she had with 2nd grade before she joined Rashi. Her story was very personal, and her discovery was great; she didn't agree with the teaching methods and how the teacher treated her and her classmates. And she knew that she could do better as a student with a better teacher. She found solace in poetry, and has grown as a confident student in the last few years at Rashi. She honored Mrs. Solomon and Mrs. Keleher in her service.
Friday, December 14, 2012
Wednesday, November 14, 2012
Chaye Sarah
Noah and Annie A., November 10, 2012, Temple Beth Shalom, Needham, MA
Noah and Annie were calm and collected as they took turns chanting from the Torah and sharing their d'vars. Annie compared the different stages of her life, with those of Sarah as noted in the parshah. Noah spoke of how blessed he was with his family and friends, just as Abraham was. They were accompanied by the lovely voice of Cantor Marcie J.
Noah and Annie were calm and collected as they took turns chanting from the Torah and sharing their d'vars. Annie compared the different stages of her life, with those of Sarah as noted in the parshah. Noah spoke of how blessed he was with his family and friends, just as Abraham was. They were accompanied by the lovely voice of Cantor Marcie J.
Friday, November 9, 2012
Vayera
JJ B., November 3, 2012 Temple Beth Elohim, Wellesley, MA
JJ celebrated his Bar Mitzvah with friends outside of Rashi , as he made a special cookbook with friends at Newbridge on The Charles, elderly residents and Rashi neighbors who shared recipes and life stories with him. He produced a lovely book of these recipes and stories.
His mom described him as someone who pushed when he was young. And now that pushing is age appropriate as he pushes himself, friends and family towards making good choices and doing good things.
JJ celebrated his Bar Mitzvah with friends outside of Rashi , as he made a special cookbook with friends at Newbridge on The Charles, elderly residents and Rashi neighbors who shared recipes and life stories with him. He produced a lovely book of these recipes and stories.
His mom described him as someone who pushed when he was young. And now that pushing is age appropriate as he pushes himself, friends and family towards making good choices and doing good things.
Saturday, October 27, 2012
Lech L'cha
Mike R., October 27, 2012, Temple Shalom of Newton
Mike has been a good friend of yours since he joined the class at Rashi for 6th grade, and you realized how much you had in common, including Emagination camp, sports, and outwitting each other!
You gave an eloquent speech at his minyan, telling everyone what a good friend he is, recounting how you met, and then detailing your skype experiences last summer when he was in Italy and you were in China.
He did an excellent job at chanting the torah portion, and an equally excellent job at teaching the congregation about when it's ok to lie. You chose to do your mitzvah project together, and it's off to a good start. Here's to good friends!
Mike has been a good friend of yours since he joined the class at Rashi for 6th grade, and you realized how much you had in common, including Emagination camp, sports, and outwitting each other!
You gave an eloquent speech at his minyan, telling everyone what a good friend he is, recounting how you met, and then detailing your skype experiences last summer when he was in Italy and you were in China.
He did an excellent job at chanting the torah portion, and an equally excellent job at teaching the congregation about when it's ok to lie. You chose to do your mitzvah project together, and it's off to a good start. Here's to good friends!
Noah
Noah S., October 20, 2012, Congregation Kehillath Israel, Brookline, MA
Noah had the honor of the Parsha with his name, and he described in his d'var getting second chances, like the Biblical Noah did. Then he celebrated at Fenway Park, which was a thrill to old and young alike. The sign in the park was lit up congratulating Noah and his family, and you got to practice Blackjack with your friends at the gambling station!
Noah had the honor of the Parsha with his name, and he described in his d'var getting second chances, like the Biblical Noah did. Then he celebrated at Fenway Park, which was a thrill to old and young alike. The sign in the park was lit up congratulating Noah and his family, and you got to practice Blackjack with your friends at the gambling station!
Saturday, October 13, 2012
Breisheet
Ashby L., Chabad Center of Lexington, October 13, 2012
Today we attended Ashby's Bar Mitzvah at Chabad. Ashby was in your preschool class at Chabad with Morah Elaine, but at the time, he went by the nickname Zoomy. He was all grown up but still shy when he chanted the haftorah and delivered his d'var on the first Parsha of the Torah. He spoke about Cain and Abel, and the relationships of brothers, of being patient and not acting out of emotion. And he ended by calling his Bar Mitzvah his own personal Genesis. Very well done.
Last week we attended Rohel Lise's Bat Mitzvah at Chabad also. Surrounded by her many brothers and sisters and their respective spouses, she gave a nice dvar on the festival of succot.
Today we attended Ashby's Bar Mitzvah at Chabad. Ashby was in your preschool class at Chabad with Morah Elaine, but at the time, he went by the nickname Zoomy. He was all grown up but still shy when he chanted the haftorah and delivered his d'var on the first Parsha of the Torah. He spoke about Cain and Abel, and the relationships of brothers, of being patient and not acting out of emotion. And he ended by calling his Bar Mitzvah his own personal Genesis. Very well done.
Last week we attended Rohel Lise's Bat Mitzvah at Chabad also. Surrounded by her many brothers and sisters and their respective spouses, she gave a nice dvar on the festival of succot.
Sunday, September 30, 2012
Haazinu-Succot
Josh L., Temple Emanuel, Newton, MA Sept 30, 2012
Temple Emanuel is a large, and beautiful synagogue, with grand acoustics. Just a little tweak of the microphone and even the boy in the class with a modest build and a large personality can fill it up. And Josh filled it up with his davening, his d'var torah, and his "lively and theatrical" persona. It was awesome. Even more amazing was the others who were honored as part of the Shabbat services yesterday- the group of 20 or so congregants who have been riding in the Pan Mass Challenge, including Frank the past few years. With friends Avi leading the Ashrei, and Stephan giving a beautiful speech at the party, it was a beautiful celebration for the family. The party theme was 007 - Bond, James Bond, and it was very fun!
Temple Emanuel is a large, and beautiful synagogue, with grand acoustics. Just a little tweak of the microphone and even the boy in the class with a modest build and a large personality can fill it up. And Josh filled it up with his davening, his d'var torah, and his "lively and theatrical" persona. It was awesome. Even more amazing was the others who were honored as part of the Shabbat services yesterday- the group of 20 or so congregants who have been riding in the Pan Mass Challenge, including Frank the past few years. With friends Avi leading the Ashrei, and Stephan giving a beautiful speech at the party, it was a beautiful celebration for the family. The party theme was 007 - Bond, James Bond, and it was very fun!
Wednesday, September 19, 2012
Nitzavim
Rachel L., Sept 15, 2012, Temple Reyim, Newton, MA
Rachel was the most poised and confident Bat Mitzvah girl. She kept referring to her brother Josh as "the future Rabbi" but it was clear from her davening and d'var that she is a capable community leader. When she spoke it was reminiscent of her performance in "The Secret Garden" at Rashi last year. She had a commanding presence. She spoke of repentance in time for Rosh Hashana, with a story of a devious trick she had planned on Josh, but was foiled. Very cute.
Jacob missed the party as you were under the weather, but I'm sure the Laser Tag party was a success.
Rachel was the most poised and confident Bat Mitzvah girl. She kept referring to her brother Josh as "the future Rabbi" but it was clear from her davening and d'var that she is a capable community leader. When she spoke it was reminiscent of her performance in "The Secret Garden" at Rashi last year. She had a commanding presence. She spoke of repentance in time for Rosh Hashana, with a story of a devious trick she had planned on Josh, but was foiled. Very cute.
Jacob missed the party as you were under the weather, but I'm sure the Laser Tag party was a success.
Saturday, September 8, 2012
Ki Tavo
Harrison P., Temple Beth Avodah, Newton, MA September 8, 2012
Today kicked off the year with Harrison leading the service in Newton. He did a great job, setting the bar very high. The Rabbi commented on how Harrison grew up very quickly, and how mature he is. He also let the kids know that he had high expectations for the Rashi crowd to pay attention! Something tells me they will be happy to blow off steam at the party tonight, given that they were so well behaved. Harrison honored teachers who helped him to prepare -- Eve and Raquel opened the ark - it was really special to see that.
Wednesday, July 18, 2012
Jacob's Bar Mitzvah Year with Friends
It may still be summer, but the invitations have begun to arrive. It's very exciting to start another round of celebrations with school friends. I look forward to sharing the highlights each week so that Jacob has these memories forever.
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