The Bat Mitzvah Girl
On September 10th, my cousin Natalie celebrated two significant events in her life: her 13th birthday and her Bat Mitzvah. I was pleased and very honored to be invited to attend and join parents Pam and Dan as they celebrated these milestones with their daughter.
I drove up to Pittford (a suburb of Rochester) on Friday the 9th. The trip was made in good weather this time, but the heavy rains the week before were causing havoc all around the upper Delaware and Susquehanna river valleys—Binghamton was completely flooded out, so I ran into long delays and detours getting through that area. I arrived only an hour and a half behind schedule, however, in time to have a relaxed dinner with Aunt Molly.
Saturday was the big day for Natalie. In the morning, I joined the family at Temple Sinai for the regular Shabbat morning service at which Natalie was called to the Torah as a Bat Mitzvah. Temple Sinai is a gorgeous building (see picture nearby) that gives the illusion of being outside in a sheltered grove, while at the same time evocative of the tented sanctuary of the Hebrews in Sinai.
Temple Sinai, Rochester NY
Natalie did a wonderful job. Not only did she chant the Torah readings (not an easy task!), but she was given a major role in the service leading the congregation in prayers. After her readings, she even gave a short homily discussing her interpretation of the readings and how she can incorporate the lessons they teach in her life. I was hugely proud of her! After the service, we enjoyed a Kiddush lunch and then departed for the afternoon.
That evening saw the fun part of the day, especially for Natalie and her friends: the party! While my eardrums are still ringing from the squeals of many 13 year olds, I have to say the party was very well run with lots of fun things for the kids to do (mostly girls, with a handful of very outnumbered and intimidated boys!). At the back of the hall, there was a photo booth set up with a box of props and costume items—Natalie got an album of the various photos, complete with inscriptions and comments by her friends, after the party. The DJ and his assistant kept the kids fully engaged not only with all their favorite songs but also with a wide range of games and activities, including hula-hoop and limbo contests, prizes for best sing-along, and so forth. Meanwhile, the adults had their own section of the hall to congregate in, complete with an adult beverage bar and lots of munchies (in addition to dinner).
Aunt Molly, of course, had a blast. In spite of being tethered to her oxygen bottle, “Nana” was a huge hit with the kids, participating in their games and dances. Much to my chagrin, I found that it was me, not her, who was yawning and making significant glances at the clock before the night was over.
On Sunday, Molly slept in (!) and I went over to Pam’s house for a brunch of various leftovers, eventually leaving for the drive home around noon. The drive south was uneventful, thankfully.
So congratulations and Mazel Tov, Natalie! We’re all very proud of you, and look forward to seeing you continue growing into the caring, bright and beautiful young woman that you are already.
