Mitzvah Stories: Seeds for Inspiration and Learning: Milgram, Goldie, Frankel, Ellen, Schram, Peninnah, Schwartz, Cherie Karo, Strimling, Arthur: 9780984804801: Amazon.com: Books Books Literature & Fiction World Literature Buy new: $19.99 Get Fast, Free Shipping with Amazon Prime FREE Returns JewBelong would like to take this moment to remind you that if you do define tzedakah as charity, it is great to give to the world, but it is really nice, and needed, to give to Jewish causes too. Last line:Just take off your coat and go to it. 44 Bat mitzvah Poems ranked in order of popularity and relevancy. Bat mitzvah is Hebrew for "daughter of commandment." When a Jewish girl turns 12, she has all the rights and obligations of a Jewish adult, including the commandments of the Torah. But you should push yourself to leave it in. Its such an honor to be a part of it. to all who know me, These Bar Mitzvah quotes will inspire you. 6 - Mar. Usually celebrated with an aliyah to the Torah and other festivities. Posted at 07:00 AM in lifecycle, prayer | Permalink Okay, being that we get furious when UBER says its still 2 minutes away, its sobering to remember that Anne Frank wrote this while she was hiding from Nazis. and its Grace your grace. My songs are so brutally honest, it would be alien to sing in any accent other than my own. Today, there is no such thing as a bar mitzvah in the United States without a special cake. There was an error adding this product to your cart. Mazel tov." "Warmest congratulations on your bar mitzvah. I can make my own decisions. ~ Sara Nelson, When 1:45 came, half the class left, and Danny Hupfer whispered, If she gives you a cream puff after we leave, Im going to kill you which was not something that someone headed off to prepare for his bar mitzvah should be thinking. I just had the immense and surreal pleasure of celebrating my first baby becoming a bat mitzvah. My son was bar mitzvahed. that comes to me this day. Bar mitzvahs are often associated with formally dressed boys and girls welcoming in the first prospect of adulthood. Yet it was for this that we raised them, that they might grow up to take their places in the world. He says a blessing that thanks God for relieving him of legal responsibility for any future negative actions of his child. I know you set a high bar for yourself in life. The first parshah, for example, is Parshat Bereishit, which covers . We love to write about our experiences to motivate and inspire the lives of people we touch. Your email address will not be published. The Myth of Chabad Outreach. It is traditionally held that there are 613 mitzvot (plural) in Judaism, both postive commandments (mandating actions) and negative commandments (prohibiting actions). A short mazel tov message by itself works well for a recipient you dont know as well, but you could also use it to round out a longer message. Anyway, the point of all this is that this relevant blessing is in his book and you are gonna love it! :) They are more individual than weddings, more conscious than christenings, or bar mitzvahs or bat mitzvahs. May the words of Torah be pleasant in our mouths. There were 200 people gathered outdoors to participate in a beautiful Shabbat service run by Maya where she led us all in the prayers, read her Torah and Haftorah portions, gave a wonderful D'var Torah (speech), and invited family and friends to be called up for aliyahs. I kind of ran the gamut of infantile behavior And I havent moved one step forward since. ~ Seth Rogen, Becoming an actor wasnt a choice it was something I was forced into. the childs cry and the Shofars blast. Its inspiring to think of you taking your place in your faith community and carrying on such an enduring tradition., Mazel tov, Bat Mitzvah. Commandment. Amen. this,too, is Torah. We are almost afraid to let them go. Hey, can you watch the phones on Friday? Make an account, keep the readings there. Last line: As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others. There are also special readings for holidays and other days. First line: I wish for you to be a person of character. Amen. I constantly worry about my financial future. In Hebrew, each letter has a number. And I can imagine parents, or an adult in the family, reading the first one aloud as part of the service, or as part of a toast at the kiddush afterwards, or something along those lines. quotesgram.com. First line:Thirty years ago my older brother, who was ten years old at the time, was trying to get a report on birds written that hed had 3 months to write. (Courtesy of ) First line: We hope that this child draws inspiration from the examples of her foremothers. Spy Games for a Secret Agent Birthday Party. B'not mitzvah were in the very early stages of being accepted in Conservative Judaism. Get the best Jewish events delivered to your inbox every Thursday with JewishBoston This Week. 1. and bring you peace. Commandment. As part of the ceremony, I spoke what was in my heart and mind to Ruby on this special day. (Levush O.Ch. We had the most wonderful celebration and deep, heartfelt ritual! It is first used with reference to Jacob, whose name is changed to Israel (Genesis 32:29), the one who struggles with God. These letters offer a unique source of inspiration and guidance to anyone that . There's great value. This reading is often recited at baby namings, Bar/Bat Mitzvahs, etc. Astronaut Party Games. Stay in the know . I was given a fountain pen, a Parker fountain pen, and I loved it, and Ive never liked writing anything with pencils or ball-points. ~ Tony Kushner, When I sing along with Britney Spears I will sing in an American accent. I hear the Torah every Saturday. Thanksgiving Haggadah/Booklet - Just Print Copies! to live in harmony with my people and my world. An aliyah (Hebrew , or aliya and other variant English spellings) is the calling of a member of a Jewish congregation up to the bimah for a segment of the formal Torah reading.. This is one of those ancient blessings that stills feel powerful hundreds of years later. I liked the readings so much that I got online and ordered myself a copy of the siddur right then and there. May you continue to grow in wisdom and faith from this day on., Wishing you a great time celebrating your bar mitzvahI hope its a day youll always look back on with pride and happiness., So proud of the dedicated way youve prepared for this day. Last line: Blessed is the way of life that makes parent rejoice with child. 10-Point Mitzvah Campaign. Like me, my sister is in an interfaith marrige. Whether its your dance, your writing, your YouTube channel idea, anything. God bless you and guide you today and always., Today you follow in the footsteps of so many generations who came before youand step into a future made brighter by your love for your faith, your family and your community., Blessings on you as you celebrate your bat mitzvah., Hoping you learned lessons that will always stay with you as you studied and prepared for your bar mitzvah. If you think the part asking people to hold hands wont fly with your group, just edit out the second line. Fairy Party Games. But eventually, I found my own voice. First line:May the road rise to meet you. For a video on What to Expect at a Bar/Bat Mitzvah, scroll down to the bottom of the page.. Coming of age for a Jew, which happens automatically at age 13 for a boy and 12 for a girl, is termed bar and bat mitzvah, that is, obligated to perform the Jewish mitzvot (commandments). Its a cliche for a reason kids really do grow up too damn fast. Sometimes, when Im feeling particularly blocked at my computer, I miss the days when I could just point my camera at something interesting and wait to see what happens. ~ Stefan Merrill Block. We sneak some beer; wed hang out; we would try to get with girls and not. 65 True Religion Quotes On Success In Life, Alexander Hamilton Quotes For Success In Life, Inspirational Agriculture Quotes : Agricultural Sayings, Reduce Stress And Anxiety At The Workplace, If a girl comes to me first for a prom or a bar mitzvah and she likes the way she looks and her boyfriend likes the way she looks, shell come back. ~ Betsey Johnson, I grew up in a secular suburban Jewish household where we only observed the religion on very specific times like a funeral or a Bar Mitzvah. ~ Jesse Eisenberg, When I celebrated my bar mitzvah, there was no cake. Please upgrade or visit our site on another browser. Cash is always a winning idea, especially if you don't really know what to give as a gift. Remembering the Bar / Bat Mitzvah ProblemToday I am a man.Today I am a woman.Today I am mortified.Bad enough to be growing into this body, but a public celebration of the fact? On a Sabbath when a bar mitzvah is celebrated, the morning service assumes a more festive atmosphere. Last line:Boundless are you, Eternal One our God, Source of all life, who has kept us alive, sustained us and allowed us to reach this occasion, First line:Dear Ladies and Gentlemen of the Ritual Committee: Bring this unique gragger to the Megillah reading and wow your friends and family in thematic Purim style! It also must contain the child's first, and often middle name, and it needs to contain the hosting parent's names (first and last names). And people are looking for hope and inspiration. Man, Dick Dale shreds. Whenever we listen and hear, Mazel tov!. The last thing I want to offer you today has always been yours and will always be yoursand thats me. All rights reserved. Paramedics. The only thing I remember I killed! First line: There was once a man who stood before God, his heart breaking from the pain and injustice in the world. Last line:For life goes not backward nor tarries with yesterday. First line: May everyone who shares in a Jewish life feel welcome and integrated. Subscribe for the latest rituals, online learning opportunities, and unique Judaica finds from our store. 9 Fun Luau Party Games for Kids. . This reading calls on each Jewish daughter to look to her foremothers for inspiration and wisdom. Okay, a LOT jealous. Celebrating you today and looking forward to watching your life unfold in amazing ways., If ever a bar mitzvah deserved a great party, its you! When it comes to signing birthday cards, there are people who have no problem picking up a pen and adding a warm, per Get sample messages, tips and watch our new video guide to write the perfect Christmas card. Traditionally on this day you wear a Tallit for the first time. May it shine within you but the dignity of others as well. Dont get me wrong I can imitate singers. When you arent super-close to the one celebrating the bar mitzvah or bat mitzvah, a simple congratulations, friendly compliment, or wish for the day/future will do the trick. inspirational readings for bat mitzvah ***** Happy Bar/Bat Mitzvah! The Torah is considered the heart and soul of the Jewish people, and study of the Torah is a high mitzvah. Best Mitzvah Quotes. The following examples of bar/bat mitzvah card wishes will help you get started. The name also refers to the land of Israel and the State of Israel. The opinions, facts and any media content are presented solely by the author, and, Creating a Radically Inclusive Jewish Community, Bostons Groundbreaking Community Mikveh Is Closed After Burst Pipe Causes Damage, Parsha Stories Podcast: Sefer Shemot-Trumah, Parsha Stories Podcast: Sefer Shemot-Mishpatim, Parsha Stories Podcast: Sefer Shemot-Yitro, Liz and George Krupp Give $2 Million to Rashi School, Two New Grants Increase Focus on Day School Affordability, Hebrew College Will Admit Rabbinical Students Whose Partners Arent Jewish, Parsha Stories Podcast: Sefer Shemot-BShalach, The Importance of Nuance in the Middle East. First line:If there is one area that identifies and unites Jews, no matter what their personal beliefs and practices, it is Tzedakah. Maybe the only thing you know about bar mitzvahs and bat mitzvahs is that people sit in chairs and get lifted into the air, or maybe you have fond memories of your own ceremony and party. and may my struggles be for the good. In this insane world that changes so quickly, it is grounding to remember where, and more importantly, who we came from. This blessing is almost always omitted in more liberal congregations. It is also said that its blast will herald the coming of the messiah.. Our sages said: Whatever a faithful student Have we done enough, taught them enough? Yom Kippur Cheat Sheet - Just Print Copies! When in doubt, skip the funny and keep your message straightforward. of the power of mitzvah you will henceforth will perceive and transmit; this is Torah. Last line:And you can always, always give something, even if it is only kindness. Shes a mother of two and a wife of one, and resides in Cleveland, Ohio. Working on a documentary is nearly the opposite artistic process to writing: as a writer, you are always trying to fill out a world to fit your story, but as a documentarian, your work is to carve a story out of the world. It was my daughters bat mitzvah last week. We wonder what would be comforting to hear. Coming of age in the Jewish faith is meant to be a joyful celebration: An adolescent is finally considered an adult in Judaism, and is . Torah is a guide, a voice, When I was done, oneof my dear friends came up to me and said, You have to share that speech on your blog. (Bar/Bat Mitzvah responds:) A Bar or Bat Mitzvah is a coming-of-age ceremony for Jewish boys and girls when they reach the age of 12 or 13. Easter comes at such a hopeful time of year, and that optimism is a great feeling to share in a card or note to so Lunar New Year is the most important celebration of the year for those who follow the lunar calendar. First line:Be patient toward all that is unsolved in your heart and try to love the questions themselves like locked rooms and like books that are written in a very foreign tongue. If you chose to learn more, you will be taken to a website not affiliated with American Greetings. Our sages said: Whatever a faithful student And luckily, you dont have to have a rabbis understanding of the occasion to write something thats both honoring and meaningful. Bowling Party Games. Though you take on the stature of adulthood,its responsibilities, powers, doubts, alleged wisdom,you will always be a child deep inside,wandering, seeking, finding, losing, finding, loving. Read more. (Im so proud of you, I had to say both. May its Face be your face By Nina Manolson What I Said to My Daughter on Her Bat Mitzvah I want you to be the powerful woman that you are. The effort makes me think that perhaps G-d doesn't want me to do it. Last line:May true be the hearts that love you. to lift up the fallen, free the captive, embrace the lost Upon my bat mitzvah, some 30 odd years before Orli's, he sent me a letter: Now that I was coming of age in the Jewish community, he offered the words Moses says to Joshua as he assumes the . Im a man, I hope. QuotesGram. | Sinai calls to you as it called to MosesThe quintessential Jewish leader who spoke face to face with God, unlike any other prophet, and who freed the people from Egypt, led them through the desert for forty years, and received the Torah on Mt. A warm closing before your signature provides a nice finishing touch for your bar/bat mitzvah message. Your email address has been successfully added. First line: Listen to the mustnts, child, listen to the donts. First line:Here with you our friends, we feel so greatly blessed. . It takes huge strength, hard work and a tenacity to be a ballet dancer. If a girl comes to me first for a prom or a bar mitzvah and she likes the way she looks and her boyfriend likes the way she looks, she'll come back. For the sake of your children, I give you the Torah.. I was bar mitzvahed and all that. Gregorys wife, Beth, is not Jewish, but they are raising their kids as Jews. its questions, fears, wonders, dreams, magic. 5783 This week's Torah reading is Tetzaveh Upcoming holiday is Purim | Mar. And shes celebrating. From that date, she takes her place in the Jewish community. Cash. set yourself firmly on the Way of Justice and Compassion. The plural of bat mitzvah is b'not mitzvah. And shes telling me that now Im a man. You do a lot of things really well, but I ask you to hold those high expectations inonehand, and in theotherI want you to hold an equal, if not more, amount of self-compassion. No miracles were wanted or needed For this vaccine And for that we are grateful. A clear voice, and a clear point of view. Mazel tov., Warmest congratulations on your bar mitzvah. According to the Torah, God, in the presence of the Jewish people, gave Moses the Torah on Mount Sinai (Har Sinai). For additional WMST-L files now available on the Web, see the WMST-L File Collection . And as for the child who is up to reading it that's great. Nina Manolson, MA, CHC, is a certified health coach and psychology of eating coach. The second thingI want to give you is actually something youve already claimed formally for yourself today, and that is your identity as a bat mitzvaha daughter of the commandmentsa woman with a Jewish heritage and Jewish identity. Were available for weddings and Bar Mitzvahs! Never got a dinner! ~ Red Buttons, I dont remember much about my bar mitzvah. And shes reading things to me in Hebrew. Last line:Perhaps you will find them gradually, without noticing it, and live along some distant day into the answer. So mazel tov and hats off to you!, Its so much fun to congratulate a bat mitzvah as smart and talented as you! 2023 Combined Jewish Philanthropies of Greater Boston. (JK, but we will send you fabulous emails once in awhile.). (Reproductive) Justice and the dream of sky: Mishpatim 5783 / 2023, A Song For Those Coming Through the Sea: Beshalach 5783 / 2022. establish mitzvot for your life. Sample B'nai Mitzvah Readings in English for Family Members . During her. Express your gratitude with these thank you messages and ideas from Hallmark card writers. We have a thing. Join Black, Queer Jewish artist Ayeola Omolara Kaplan for a deep dive into creating artwork informed by Jewish social justice work. She helps women create a healthy and positive relationship with their food and body so they can love their body and life! First line:Do not imagine that character is determined at birth. - Rita Losch Remembering the Bar / Bat Mitzvah Problem Today I am a man. So what should you write in your bar and bat mitvah invite card? Last line: May the stories of our people be upon your heart and grace of the Torah rhythm and dance in your soul. Soeven though it feels a bit vulnerable because these are my personal words to my daughter, here they are. Celebrate this extremely important and joyous milestone with unique, personalized bar and bat mitzvah invitations. Mazel tov!, Theres never, ever been a bar mitzvah quite like you! revealed in the rising sun, the rustling tree, But it really moves me. Mitzvah has also become colloquially assumed to mean the idea of a good deed." Theres no right way to do this spiritual journey of life, but this templethe amazing leadership that has been here for you with Rabbi Cari, Rabbi Rim and Beth, your amazing Hebrew school friends, our special experiences at Mayyim Hayiim, your own depth and curiositythese will all guide you well. Should I just stick to my other services? What a wonderful way to honor your rich heritage and celebrate your faith., Today you begin your journey into womanhoodbut somehow you still have a 10 p.m. curfew. If that happens, then before you give your Bar/Bat Mitzvah speech: Take a few deeeeeeeep breaths. Select a writing below and let us share some writings we find stimulating and thought-provoking. This past Monday night, the four of uswere sitting down for dinner and we were chatting about the bat mitzvah. Sam Keen. JewBelongs National Antisemitism Campaign, jewbelongs national antisemitism campaign. The message ideas below are divided by theme, but you can mix and match to come up with the words that feel just right for you to send. You have a whole spiritual journey ahead of you. At age 12 for a girl or 13 for a boy, the obligations of a Jewish adult are assumed. Youve always been opinionated; youve always had a voice. Amanda Celis is a writer and photographer with a decade of experience in the social expressions industry. I observe Shabbat. And if you are so inclined, follow Anne Lamott on Instagram too. I'm a man, I hope. Before weddings, funerals, bar mitzvahs, and what have you. . I only had black friends. to receive the TorahThe Five Books of Moses, and the foundation of all of Jewish life and lore. Bat mitzvahs for Jewish girls mark 100 years and now more than a coming-of-age Since girls in the U.S. began having the public ceremony 100 years ago, more and more women have taken on a larger . All rights reserved. Fun Ideas for Celebrating a 50th Birthday. Summoning up offensive stereotypes or poking fun at Jewish culture is anotherand should absolutely be avoided. This episode is sponsored by Toveedo. She is the founder ofNinaManolson.comandNourishedWomanNation.com. Ernest Hemingway won the Nobel Prize for Literature. A ceremony marking the first performance of mitzvot such as being called up to the Torah to say the blessings (known . (Courtesy of 's Raising the Bar families) Guests helping unroll the Torah at the Jewish Journey Project's Brit Atid ceremony. Amen Love Your Neighbor: A Blessing on Receiving the COVID-19 Vaccine by Rabbi Ahuvah (Amy) Loewenthal It is traditionally held that there are 613 mitzvot (plural) in Judaism, both postive commandments (mandating actions) and negative commandments (prohibiting actions). A bar or bat mitzvah experience must be built around deep study of the Torah, and positive Jewish experiences. Helpful tip: First timer? to discover the Way; Hitler had been in power only six months, and his boycott was already in full effect. The Myth of Chabad Outreach. Bar and bat mitzvah mean, literally, "son and daughter of the commandment." Bat mitzvah is Hebrew, while bar mitzvah, historically a much earlier ceremony, is Aramaic. And to you, who is reading this, I want you to be the powerful Jewish woman that YOU are. Guest is one of Americas most prolific poets. But first, heres a super-quick primer on the celebrations that might help, too: Bar/bat mitzvah literally translates as son/daughter of the commandments. This rite marks their entry as adults into their faith community. Warm compliments and pride are good themes to include. Bring this unique gragger to the Megillah reading and wow your friends and family in thematic Purim style! Ruby said: Seriously, Mom, the bat mitzvah isthisSaturday and you havent written a thing!. It was a totally insane time in my life. At the very least, once a year at the childs birthday. And shes like, no, you still have chores, but youre a man. Mitzvah has also become colloquially assumed to mean the idea of a good deed." High Holidays Booklet - Just Print Copies! our hearts filled with love, our arms outstretched And in addition to fine renderings of all of the prayers one would expect from any good siddur, it also contains prayers and liturgies which aren't in the average Jewish prayerbook -- blessings for discovering one's sexual orientation, prayers for Transgender Day of Remembrance, and so on. Secondand more importantlyheres a little something to show you just how proud., With money/gift card enclosed: Hope the happy bat mitzvah glow just lasts and lasts. It's inspiring to think of you taking your place in your faith community and carrying on such an enduring tradition." The God-game is hide-and-seek. Choose one of ours or come up with one of your own. the human struggle for peace. monthly budget of middle class family. Ballet seems like the perfect metaphor herea very apt analogy for you, of course. Create and share by tagging @HallmarkStores. Even though a bar/bat mitzvah is a serious occasion, theres still room for a little good-natured humorespecially if you know the bar/bat mitzvah well and have a good sense of what theyd find funny. It is chanted aloud on Mondays, Thursdays, and Shabbat, according to a yearly cycle. May you live to see your world fulfilled, May you be our link to future worlds, and may your hope encompass all the generations to be. I hadnt been so wholly conscious of being a Jew since my bar mitzvahs, and it was the first time since Id had the measles that I was too sick to eat. ~ Harpo Marx, Steven Spielbergs mother, who said to E.T., I dont care where youre from, youre here and youre gonna get bar mitzvahed! Of course, a bar/bat mitzvah has a spiritual significance that graduations dont have. Why isnt there a blessing for that person who is not Jewish but participating in a Jewish home/life! I went to 35 bar mitzvahs before I went to a single quinceanera. addressing us now and here. If they didnt find it by this point in the procedure, I would be sitting over in that corner completely unnoticed just reading my book. ~, I played in front of every conceivable audience you could face: an all-black audience, all-white, firemens fairs, policemens balls, in front of supermarkets, bar mitzvahs, weddings, drive-in theaters. May your gaze be straight and sure, your eyes be lit with Torah's lamp, your face aglow with . Yes, this is by the Maimonides. Bases Covered.I've got a Bobble Head Buddha That nods on the dash Some guy named Gideon Whose Bible rides in the back Rainbow covered Rosary beads Hang from my mirror with ease I've got all the . After the portion of the Torah is read, the recipient recites another blessing. Rabbi Jay Karzen, coined the "Jerusalem bar mitzvah king" by The Jerusalem Post in 1997, has stories to make you laugh out loud or cry tears of joy. Now There Are Pararabbis. commit us to justice. In modern times, the event has been enhanced with a celebration. Originally written in Gaelic, this reading is said to represent the ancient Irishs deep connection to nature and God. We update this page periodically, so please check back for new selections. Traditionally, bar mitzvahs are 13 years old and bat mitzvahs are either 12 or 13. 80th training command. At the time, Jewish girls couldn't read from the Torah the first five books of the Hebrew bible the way boys did during their coming-of-age ceremony, so she read three prayers chosen for her instead. Commandment. Mitzvah has also become colloquially assumed to mean the idea of a good deed.". Inspirational Bat Miztvah Gifts Hanamiya Na Inspirational Pouch $10 at Amazon Credit: Hanamiya Na This pouch comes emblazoned with an inspirational message right in line with bat. Because if they didnt, then the book would be hidden inside some pocket or other and as soon as whatever it was got under way Id be found in a corner. That is great! Inspiration. The Torah itself a scroll that is hand lettered on parchment, elaborately dressed and decorated, and stored in a decorative ark. This answers first letter of which starts with T and can be found at the end of H. We think TORAH is the possible answer on this clue. I loved the energy of Mendel. ~, I just had we had instances like, for instance, when I turned 13, she threw me a bar mitzvah. Signing a sympathy card isnt easy. A heartfelt wish is another great thing to write in a bar/bat mitzah card. Have the most fun a guy can have with all your family right there watching your every move., With money/gift card enclosed: First of all, so proud of you! The Torah itself a scroll that is hand lettered on parchment, elaborately dressed and decorated, and stored in a decorative ark. Okay, maybe this beauty should be required reading for every parent. you prepare In many communities both bar and bat mitzvah are celebrated at age 13. May your heart conceive with understanding, may your mouth speak wisdom and your tongue be stirred with sounds of joy. Always. I was starved, because they wanted to keep my weight at a certain place; my hair was bleached that was my life. I mean, whoever would think they can rebrand Judaism anyway? Paralegals. Readings for B'nai Mitzvah by Rabbi Rami Shapiro Tradition relates that when Israel gathered at Mount Sinai to receive the Torah, Truth was revealed to us amidst much lightning and great claps of thunder. First line:The days come and go. Set up a backdrop inspired by your party theme and provide guests with fun props for their photos. Nobody could follow me at my bar-mitzvah. Touch the beginning and end of the Torah reading with the corner of your tallit (or the Torah's sash) and kiss it. These students of the faith put in a lot of hard work preparing for a special Shabbat service at their synagogue, in which they read aloud from the Torah and sometimes lead prayers or chants, too. But nobody came because nobody knew what the hell that was. Read it a few times to feel its full strength. not telling cause it is social media on January 07, 2019: It is traditionally held that there are 613 mitzvot (plural) in Judaism, both postive commandments (mandating actions) and negative commandments (prohibiting actions). While watching a family friend read from two Torahs at his Zoom bar mitzvah on April 12, Aviva Preminger, who lives on the Upper East Side, saw that her son Nathan Hiltzik looked "crushed" at . And the cool thing is, you get to explore and discover what deeply enriches you, what lights you up and what connects you to your unique definition of God, Spirit, Shechina,Adonai. Money is a customary gift for a bar/bat mitzvah, so its an especially easy way to infuse a little humor into your written message. God, so the sages taught, seemed to speak with the voice of a mighty Shofar. A Jewish child needs neither a formal ritual nor party to enter adulthood.