Reign C., Chabad of Lexington, August 31, 2013
Reign has been part of the Bar Mitzvah club and a regular at Chabad for many years with his family. His family is just as international as ours. He did a great job chanting with the French trope, and his d'var torah was very entertaining. He had a fun party at his house the next day, with games and kareoke.
Saturday, September 7, 2013
Pinchas
Daniel P., Chabad of Lexington June 29, 2013
Daniel is another friend from the Bar Mitzvah club, with the distinction of being the tallest and friendliest of the group. He had a small ceremony at shul, as most kids had already left for camp and summer plans. And he had a fun party at Lazer Craze in Woburn.
Daniel is another friend from the Bar Mitzvah club, with the distinction of being the tallest and friendliest of the group. He had a small ceremony at shul, as most kids had already left for camp and summer plans. And he had a fun party at Lazer Craze in Woburn.
Sunday, June 23, 2013
Balak
David G. Chabad of Lexington, June 22, 2013
Jacob, you and David have been friends since attending the Chabad Nursery School together at age 3. Though you have gone different ways in elementary and middle school, you have come together in the last year to study with Rabbi Avi in the Bar Mitzvah club, a time of the week you wouldn't dare miss. You are two peas in a pod, always there for each other, hugging, laughing, and never needing time to catch up. We have spent so many holidays together as families, and have shared many good times. I hope that this bond never ends.
David was awesome chanting from the torah, and speaking to the crowded room. He was just beaming all day. The party Saturday night was fun and filled with love. The Monopoly theme was really cute, especially the chocolate mustaches at the table!
It's been an awesome year. Happy Summer!
Jacob, you and David have been friends since attending the Chabad Nursery School together at age 3. Though you have gone different ways in elementary and middle school, you have come together in the last year to study with Rabbi Avi in the Bar Mitzvah club, a time of the week you wouldn't dare miss. You are two peas in a pod, always there for each other, hugging, laughing, and never needing time to catch up. We have spent so many holidays together as families, and have shared many good times. I hope that this bond never ends.
David was awesome chanting from the torah, and speaking to the crowded room. He was just beaming all day. The party Saturday night was fun and filled with love. The Monopoly theme was really cute, especially the chocolate mustaches at the table!
It's been an awesome year. Happy Summer!
Sunday, June 16, 2013
Chukat
Avi G., Saturday June 15, 2013, Temple Shir Tikvah, Wayland, MA
Jacob this was one of those special Bar Mitzvahs where the parents are really actively involved....as Rabbi Gold said "for the honor of presenting the talit - ME". Avi really rose to the occasion of becoming a Bar Mitzvah in front of his family and friends, and his father's congregation, adoring faces who watched him grow to a man. He chanted perfectly and spoke of Moses and Aaron striking the rock for water, and how God punished them for doing so. He gave many rabbinic interpretations of this punishment and then settled on his own, saying that it was too harsh.
His family did a celebratory hora after the service, and the havdallah party at night was a hit. After a long season, you and your friends were still going strong.
Abby R. Saturday June 15, 3013 Temple Emanuel, Newton
Abby was at the same time as Avi, but she had a lovely party after at the Elm Bank reservation, and so you and your friends took a bus from Avi's to her party. You and Abby share the same birthday, and so you have always been friends. She has written a few books and donated the proceeds to several charities in the area.
http://www.bostonglobe.com/metro/regionals/west/2013/05/25/newton-girl-writes-books-for-charity/NkV6iuDLXzn3at9r9y0XXJ/story.html
Jackie and Josh Altman Saturday June 15, 2013, Chabad of Lexington
We didn't make it to the services at Chabad for Jackie and Josh this weekend, but we attended their party on the Odyssey Cruise in Boston Harbor on Sunday. The reviews of the Bar and Bat Mitzvah were great, both rising to the occasion and making everyone proud. It was a perfect afternoon on the harbor for Father's Day. Josh was in your nursery school class, and though you haven't remained friends these past years, you have reconnected at the Bar Mitzvah club, sharing your Thursdays with Rabbi Avi.
It was a busy weekend, but now that school is over, it's time to relax.
One more - the best for last - David is next week!!
Jacob this was one of those special Bar Mitzvahs where the parents are really actively involved....as Rabbi Gold said "for the honor of presenting the talit - ME". Avi really rose to the occasion of becoming a Bar Mitzvah in front of his family and friends, and his father's congregation, adoring faces who watched him grow to a man. He chanted perfectly and spoke of Moses and Aaron striking the rock for water, and how God punished them for doing so. He gave many rabbinic interpretations of this punishment and then settled on his own, saying that it was too harsh.
His family did a celebratory hora after the service, and the havdallah party at night was a hit. After a long season, you and your friends were still going strong.
Abby R. Saturday June 15, 3013 Temple Emanuel, Newton
Abby was at the same time as Avi, but she had a lovely party after at the Elm Bank reservation, and so you and your friends took a bus from Avi's to her party. You and Abby share the same birthday, and so you have always been friends. She has written a few books and donated the proceeds to several charities in the area.
http://www.bostonglobe.com/metro/regionals/west/2013/05/25/newton-girl-writes-books-for-charity/NkV6iuDLXzn3at9r9y0XXJ/story.html
Jackie and Josh Altman Saturday June 15, 2013, Chabad of Lexington
We didn't make it to the services at Chabad for Jackie and Josh this weekend, but we attended their party on the Odyssey Cruise in Boston Harbor on Sunday. The reviews of the Bar and Bat Mitzvah were great, both rising to the occasion and making everyone proud. It was a perfect afternoon on the harbor for Father's Day. Josh was in your nursery school class, and though you haven't remained friends these past years, you have reconnected at the Bar Mitzvah club, sharing your Thursdays with Rabbi Avi.
It was a busy weekend, but now that school is over, it's time to relax.
One more - the best for last - David is next week!!
Sunday, June 2, 2013
Shelach
Sarah K-F., Congregation Dorshei Tzedek, June 1, 2013
There aren't too many doubles this year, but this weekend, there was a Bar mitzvah and a Bat Mitzvah. You didn't make it to Sarah's service, but you went to her party at the Meeting House at the Andover Newton Theological Seminary. It's always interesting to be on the campus of a seminary, Jewish or not.
Seems all the boys went to Nate's service and the girls to Sarah's on Saturday, but they all came together for the parties.
There aren't too many doubles this year, but this weekend, there was a Bar mitzvah and a Bat Mitzvah. You didn't make it to Sarah's service, but you went to her party at the Meeting House at the Andover Newton Theological Seminary. It's always interesting to be on the campus of a seminary, Jewish or not.
Seems all the boys went to Nate's service and the girls to Sarah's on Saturday, but they all came together for the parties.
Shelach
Nate L., Temple Beth Elohim, June 1, 2013
The year is winding down, but the parties are still going strong. Nate did a great job at temple, talking about the Parshah and his responsibilities in the community. His parents spoke of his love of music and dance, and I'm sure he had a chance to show that off at his party at the very cool Larz Anderson Auto Museum. It was a really hot weekend, in contrast to last weekend!
The year is winding down, but the parties are still going strong. Nate did a great job at temple, talking about the Parshah and his responsibilities in the community. His parents spoke of his love of music and dance, and I'm sure he had a chance to show that off at his party at the very cool Larz Anderson Auto Museum. It was a really hot weekend, in contrast to last weekend!
Behaalotecha
JACOB D, CHABAD OF LEXINGTON, MAY 25, 2013
Jacob!!!! It was finally your minyan and Bar Mitzvah after months of practicing, learning and planning with Rabbi Avi. After a wonderful trip to DC with your class, Saturday morning you did a fantastic job, wowing all of the guests, and impressing the rabbis and even the learned cousins from Monsey!! It was a beautiful (though cold) weekend, from sundown to sundown, with Shabbat Dinner, Shabbat Morning services, and then Havdallah. Your d'var torah was impressive, and your chanting was perfect. You have really become a fine young man. We also had a few good laughs amidst the pride and joy. (Was Santa Claus really in the house?) And you also had fun showing off our Makey Makey!!
The party at BU Hillel was the icing on the cake, fun for all and one of the best parties of the year.
#BARMITZVAH @DAVOUDGOLEH 5-25-2013
Jacob!!!! It was finally your minyan and Bar Mitzvah after months of practicing, learning and planning with Rabbi Avi. After a wonderful trip to DC with your class, Saturday morning you did a fantastic job, wowing all of the guests, and impressing the rabbis and even the learned cousins from Monsey!! It was a beautiful (though cold) weekend, from sundown to sundown, with Shabbat Dinner, Shabbat Morning services, and then Havdallah. Your d'var torah was impressive, and your chanting was perfect. You have really become a fine young man. We also had a few good laughs amidst the pride and joy. (Was Santa Claus really in the house?) And you also had fun showing off our Makey Makey!!
The party at BU Hillel was the icing on the cake, fun for all and one of the best parties of the year.
#BARMITZVAH @DAVOUDGOLEH 5-25-2013
Behaalotecha
Noah E., Temple Beth Elohim May 18, 2013
Noah had an afternoon service, and so he shares your Parshah. He has been part of the class since 1st grade, and you have always enjoyed playing sports with him. He did a great job at his minyan, and it was a great celebration for his family this weekend after a year of serious health issues for his mom. He had a really fun party with a late night ice cream truck at Elm Bank Reservation and Horticulture Society in Wellesley.
Noah had an afternoon service, and so he shares your Parshah. He has been part of the class since 1st grade, and you have always enjoyed playing sports with him. He did a great job at his minyan, and it was a great celebration for his family this weekend after a year of serious health issues for his mom. He had a really fun party with a late night ice cream truck at Elm Bank Reservation and Horticulture Society in Wellesley.
Sunday, May 12, 2013
Bamidbar
Maya K. May 11, 2013 Temple Emanuel, Newton
Maya did a nice job chanting from the torah, and then describing the "calendars" of our lives, how we mark the significant events in our lives. She was joined by another Bat Mitzvah, a baby naming, converts marking their first call to the torah, and a temple administrator being thanked by the congregation.
She had a really fun party at Karoun, the Middle Eastern restaurant in Newton. Was there a belly dancer??
Maya did a nice job chanting from the torah, and then describing the "calendars" of our lives, how we mark the significant events in our lives. She was joined by another Bat Mitzvah, a baby naming, converts marking their first call to the torah, and a temple administrator being thanked by the congregation.
She had a really fun party at Karoun, the Middle Eastern restaurant in Newton. Was there a belly dancer??
Behar - Behukotai
Eitan G. May 4, 2013, Newton Center Minyan, Newton, MA
Eitan joined your class in 6th grade, and though you weren't friends right away, you became good friend on Teva, and in Advisory. Eitan did a remarkable job at his services, leading the congregation in what was a very long double portion. His D'var was also inspiring, discussing the threats and consequences that God gave if his people did not keep the commandments, and comparing that to a teenagers life of not listening to and following his parents.
The party was very fun, a scavenger hunt through Boston in limousines, and then movie and dinner at West Newton Cinema. Party on and Bar Mitzvah!
Eitan joined your class in 6th grade, and though you weren't friends right away, you became good friend on Teva, and in Advisory. Eitan did a remarkable job at his services, leading the congregation in what was a very long double portion. His D'var was also inspiring, discussing the threats and consequences that God gave if his people did not keep the commandments, and comparing that to a teenagers life of not listening to and following his parents.
The party was very fun, a scavenger hunt through Boston in limousines, and then movie and dinner at West Newton Cinema. Party on and Bar Mitzvah!
Saturday, April 20, 2013
Acharei Mot- Kedoshim
Julian S., Congregation Dorshei Tzedek, April 20, 2013
After a very harrowing week in the city of Boston, Julian and the Rabbi did much to set the tone of Shabbat for his friends and family. Julian joined your class in 5th grade, and was and still is, pretty shy. Other than a softer voice he was strong and thoughtful. He did an amazing job. The Rabbi was great as she passed out the Aliyot to groups in the congregation; the first one with the Birkat HaGomel, a blessing for emerging in good health after a disaster or sickness. The second aliyah for those in need of comfort after this week of fear and anxiety. It was good to be back with the Rashi 7th grade community.
Party tomorrow at Dave and Busters!
After a very harrowing week in the city of Boston, Julian and the Rabbi did much to set the tone of Shabbat for his friends and family. Julian joined your class in 5th grade, and was and still is, pretty shy. Other than a softer voice he was strong and thoughtful. He did an amazing job. The Rabbi was great as she passed out the Aliyot to groups in the congregation; the first one with the Birkat HaGomel, a blessing for emerging in good health after a disaster or sickness. The second aliyah for those in need of comfort after this week of fear and anxiety. It was good to be back with the Rashi 7th grade community.
Party tomorrow at Dave and Busters!
Shemini
Jordyn W and Jordyn T., Temple Beth Avodah, April 6, 2013
These best friends from the class in between you and Goldie at Rashi were scheduled to have their B'not Mitzvot the weekend of the blizzard of February! The rescheduled service and party was moving nonetheless with both of them chanting, giving speeches and complementing each other. The party was double fun.
These best friends from the class in between you and Goldie at Rashi were scheduled to have their B'not Mitzvot the weekend of the blizzard of February! The rescheduled service and party was moving nonetheless with both of them chanting, giving speeches and complementing each other. The party was double fun.
Tzav Shabbat Hagadol
Melanie R., Temple Emanuel, Newton, MA March 23,2013
Jacob you didn't attend the services for Melanie as there was something going on at Chabad you wanted to attend. But you did make it for the fun party in Canton, MA. There was a little excitement when the fog machine went on, but after that, fun was had by all.
Jacob you didn't attend the services for Melanie as there was something going on at Chabad you wanted to attend. But you did make it for the fun party in Canton, MA. There was a little excitement when the fog machine went on, but after that, fun was had by all.
Saturday, March 23, 2013
Vayikra
Jonah W. Temple Beth Avodah, Newton, March 16, 2013
Jonah had the honor of discussing the parsha that you spent time in 6th grade studying in depth - the one about all the sacrifices. He somehow made it relative to a young man growing up in Newton MA in the 21st century - even with Facebook prevalent, as he stated. Jonah was very calm and comfortable leading the service and speaking to the group. The Rabbi described him as having a pure soul, as he enjoyed working with him to prepare. Jacob you have been paired with him too, as a writing partner, and I'm sure these same qualities help you both excel in Language Arts together.
Jonah had the honor of discussing the parsha that you spent time in 6th grade studying in depth - the one about all the sacrifices. He somehow made it relative to a young man growing up in Newton MA in the 21st century - even with Facebook prevalent, as he stated. Jonah was very calm and comfortable leading the service and speaking to the group. The Rabbi described him as having a pure soul, as he enjoyed working with him to prepare. Jacob you have been paired with him too, as a writing partner, and I'm sure these same qualities help you both excel in Language Arts together.
Vayachel
Zanny W. Congregation Dorshei Tzedek, Newton, MA March 9, 2013
Zanny joined your class in 6th grade, and then left for 7th grade back to Public School, but she made lasting friendships and invited your class to her celebration. It took us a while to find the temple, which is housed in a church in W. Newton. Her party was at the Charles River Museum of Innovation, a very cool venue.
Zanny joined your class in 6th grade, and then left for 7th grade back to Public School, but she made lasting friendships and invited your class to her celebration. It took us a while to find the temple, which is housed in a church in W. Newton. Her party was at the Charles River Museum of Innovation, a very cool venue.
Monday, March 4, 2013
Ki Tisa
Jonah G. Temple Beth Elohim, Wellesley, MA March 2, 2013
Jonah is a friend since kindergarten, and you have a lot in common - sports, business (Shark Tank), politics, and a Sephardic parent! Jonah was very poised as he spoke about the parsha, and played the guitar with his co-Bat Mitzvah for one prayer. Goldie knows the other family from camp, so that was a nice surprise.
The party was at the Charles Hotel, and you danced until the final minutes.
Yoni R. Wesley Hills, NY March 3, 2013
Yoni is our cousin from Dad's side, Nasrin's son. They had a Bar Mitzvah on Saturday and we drove to NY for the party on Sunday. It was great to celebrate with all Dad's cousins. It is always fun and different when we go there. Lots of Rabbis giving speeches!! And very proud parents.
Jonah is a friend since kindergarten, and you have a lot in common - sports, business (Shark Tank), politics, and a Sephardic parent! Jonah was very poised as he spoke about the parsha, and played the guitar with his co-Bat Mitzvah for one prayer. Goldie knows the other family from camp, so that was a nice surprise.
The party was at the Charles Hotel, and you danced until the final minutes.
Yoni R. Wesley Hills, NY March 3, 2013
Yoni is our cousin from Dad's side, Nasrin's son. They had a Bar Mitzvah on Saturday and we drove to NY for the party on Sunday. It was great to celebrate with all Dad's cousins. It is always fun and different when we go there. Lots of Rabbis giving speeches!! And very proud parents.
Sunday, February 17, 2013
Tetzaveh
Zach S., Temple Emanuel Newton, February 16, 2013
Zachy was at Rashi with you for the first few years of elementary school, distinguishing himself as a very smart and unique learner. You had lots of fun participating with him in a Lego League after school, where you went to the regional championships and learned so much.
He chanted from the Torah in a most unusual manner, imitating Cantor Rosenberg's booming baritone voice. It was clear that it wasn't his own voice, but imitation is the purest form of flattery. Zachy's dvar talked about the Operating systems of OS and Linux as metaphors for Judaism and Atheism, and questioned his own following of parts of Judaism.
Unfortunately, the Bar and Bat Mitzvahs from last weekend (Lily and Jack P, and Jordan W and Jordan T) had to be cancelled due to the Blizzard of 2013! Both have been rescheduled, and updates to the blog will be made then. Lily and Jack got their service in at the tail end of the snowfall, but many of the guests could't make it due to shoveling out and unsafe driving conditions.
Zachy was at Rashi with you for the first few years of elementary school, distinguishing himself as a very smart and unique learner. You had lots of fun participating with him in a Lego League after school, where you went to the regional championships and learned so much.
He chanted from the Torah in a most unusual manner, imitating Cantor Rosenberg's booming baritone voice. It was clear that it wasn't his own voice, but imitation is the purest form of flattery. Zachy's dvar talked about the Operating systems of OS and Linux as metaphors for Judaism and Atheism, and questioned his own following of parts of Judaism.
Unfortunately, the Bar and Bat Mitzvahs from last weekend (Lily and Jack P, and Jordan W and Jordan T) had to be cancelled due to the Blizzard of 2013! Both have been rescheduled, and updates to the blog will be made then. Lily and Jack got their service in at the tail end of the snowfall, but many of the guests could't make it due to shoveling out and unsafe driving conditions.
Sunday, February 3, 2013
Yitro
Alyssa B. B'nai Or of Boston, Newton, MA Feb 2, 2013
Alyssa's family belongs to this Jewish Renewal Synagogue, housed at the Andover Newton Theological Seminary campus. It's pretty interesting how many synagogues meet on the campus of a theology seminary! Alyssa led the services, which included a lot of singing, and even some dancing in the aisles as we arrived!
The fun party was at the Hellenic Cultural Center.
Alyssa's family belongs to this Jewish Renewal Synagogue, housed at the Andover Newton Theological Seminary campus. It's pretty interesting how many synagogues meet on the campus of a theology seminary! Alyssa led the services, which included a lot of singing, and even some dancing in the aisles as we arrived!
The fun party was at the Hellenic Cultural Center.
Sunday, January 27, 2013
Beshalach
Jessica F., Jan 26, 2013 Temple Beth Elohim, Wellesley, MA
Jessica was the epitome of confidence and poise as she led most of the service and chanted from the torah. Her speech about being a leader, which she compared to Nachshon crossing the Red Sea, was very moving. She talked about moving from NJ to Boston a few years back, and how she was the face of courage to her younger siblings. Rebecca spoke about the Rashi school's 5 core values and how Jessica embodied them, her lovely grandmother presented her a tallit that they made together, and friend Marcie sang a prayer as the Rabbi blessed her. The party was at the Needham Sheraton, and fun was had by all.
Jessica was the epitome of confidence and poise as she led most of the service and chanted from the torah. Her speech about being a leader, which she compared to Nachshon crossing the Red Sea, was very moving. She talked about moving from NJ to Boston a few years back, and how she was the face of courage to her younger siblings. Rebecca spoke about the Rashi school's 5 core values and how Jessica embodied them, her lovely grandmother presented her a tallit that they made together, and friend Marcie sang a prayer as the Rabbi blessed her. The party was at the Needham Sheraton, and fun was had by all.
Monday, January 21, 2013
Beshalach
Bayla H. Chabad of Lexington, Jan 20, 2013
Bayla gave a beautiful d'var torah at Chabad, surrounded by family and friends. Her theme was Under the Sea, to commemorate the parting of the Red Sea. She gave a fitting tribute to her beloved Bubbie Mindy, who passed away earlier this year.
Bayla gave a beautiful d'var torah at Chabad, surrounded by family and friends. Her theme was Under the Sea, to commemorate the parting of the Red Sea. She gave a fitting tribute to her beloved Bubbie Mindy, who passed away earlier this year.
Thursday, January 17, 2013
Va'eira
Chabad of Lexington, Jan 12, 2013
The Z. twins don't go to Chabad, but their dad occasionally comes and wanted to do something special. So they were called to the Torah this shabbat, after having become Bar Mitzvah at Temple Emunah earlier this year. Then they did a different kind of d'var torah. They had a dialogue, one boy acting as Moses, the other as Abraham, about leadership, comparing the styles and situations in which each were leaders. It was quite entertaining, thoughtful and interesting.
The Z. twins don't go to Chabad, but their dad occasionally comes and wanted to do something special. So they were called to the Torah this shabbat, after having become Bar Mitzvah at Temple Emunah earlier this year. Then they did a different kind of d'var torah. They had a dialogue, one boy acting as Moses, the other as Abraham, about leadership, comparing the styles and situations in which each were leaders. It was quite entertaining, thoughtful and interesting.
Tuesday, January 15, 2013
Shemot
Matti H., Temple Beth Elohim, Jan 5, 2013
The first Bat Mitzvah of the year, after vacation, and the natives were restless! But that didn't stop Matti from speaking eloquently about the importance of teachers, being patient, and calm. And her teacher was Phyllis, our lovely next door neighbor. The party was at the Verve all afternoon.
The first Bat Mitzvah of the year, after vacation, and the natives were restless! But that didn't stop Matti from speaking eloquently about the importance of teachers, being patient, and calm. And her teacher was Phyllis, our lovely next door neighbor. The party was at the Verve all afternoon.
Mikeitz
Molly W. Temple Beth Avodah, December 15, 2012
Molly's is the last of 2012, and her parshah was of Pharoah's dream. It is fitting since the kids perform songs from Joseph in the 4th grade. Her party was fun at the Henderson House.
Molly's is the last of 2012, and her parshah was of Pharoah's dream. It is fitting since the kids perform songs from Joseph in the 4th grade. Her party was fun at the Henderson House.
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