Jacob's Bar Mitzvah
I sit here tonight with a profound feeling of gratitude. What a beautiful, meaningful day. Jacob was fantastic. He didn't miss a beat. Well, OK, there was that one little moment he started the Shema while facing the wrong way, but aside from that, pure awesomeness. I am so damn proud of him.
I'm grateful that despite all the last minute craziness that seemed to fall from the sky in the days leading up to the Bar Mitzvah, everything turned out well. We had plenty of food, despite sudden last minute panic that we'd have an influx of unanticipated congregants, eager to welcome our new Rabbi to her first official Shabbat with us. And though Friday afternoon, I'd discovered to my panic'd dismay that I'd accidentally left my VISA at my computer at home when there was ZERO time for me to drive back and retrieve the card before the caterer closed for Shabbat, I was able to pay for our catered evening meals thanks to Dad's Sapphire VISA, which I'd put in my wallet so I could take care of some purchases for him. (whew!)
I'm grateful for all the help we had along the way, from friends and family, congregation and community. They ROCK! There were so many hands involved in making today successful I'm afraid to mention names because I'm convinced I'll leave out someone important.
Some highlights of the day in no particular order:
I got tremendous joy from greeting all of our friends and family. I'm not generally a party person. Being an introvert, crowds can feel draining to me after a time. But today, I was energized by each and every interaction. I loved greeting everyone with hugs and kisses and taking time to chat. It was easy. Effortless. I wonder if that's what extroverts feel like all the time.
That moment when one of our Torah readers discovered, today, that he'd learned the wrong Torah portion! And our recently retired Rabbi Reisner, was able to pinch hit and read the portion. What a moment! As bad as I felt for our friend, I was happy Rabbi Reisner was able to participate in the service in an overt and meaningful way. .
That moment when Jacob stood before the Torah scrolls and started Ein Kamocha.... I thought to myself: "Ok Jeanne. There are no pictures, no video, so you'd better take a deep breath, and be fully present and take this all in so it will live strong in your memory. Pay attention." And I did. And as I allowed myself to really soak in the moment, I started to cry.
That moment when Jacob finished the blessings after his Haftorah and stood with a big GOOFY cheeseball grin on his face as he pointed at his open mouth while the congregation showered him with candy!
That moment when Hillel and I read the fabulous speech Hillel wrote for Jacob (I wish I could say I helped, but aside from deciding who said what, it was all him!) It just felt good, and natural, and right. And even though I worried it was kind of long, many people came up to each of us afterward to say how much they enjoyed it, and how inspiring and meaningful they found it.
Those moments in Jacob's dvar where the listeners laughed in the right places.
All those moments of eye contact with assorted friends and family through the service with smiles, nods, blown kisses, and happy shining eyes.
Such love. Such joy. May everyone have lives filled with moments like this. I am grateful. So so grateful.
I'm grateful that despite all the last minute craziness that seemed to fall from the sky in the days leading up to the Bar Mitzvah, everything turned out well. We had plenty of food, despite sudden last minute panic that we'd have an influx of unanticipated congregants, eager to welcome our new Rabbi to her first official Shabbat with us. And though Friday afternoon, I'd discovered to my panic'd dismay that I'd accidentally left my VISA at my computer at home when there was ZERO time for me to drive back and retrieve the card before the caterer closed for Shabbat, I was able to pay for our catered evening meals thanks to Dad's Sapphire VISA, which I'd put in my wallet so I could take care of some purchases for him. (whew!)
I'm grateful for all the help we had along the way, from friends and family, congregation and community. They ROCK! There were so many hands involved in making today successful I'm afraid to mention names because I'm convinced I'll leave out someone important.
Some highlights of the day in no particular order:
I got tremendous joy from greeting all of our friends and family. I'm not generally a party person. Being an introvert, crowds can feel draining to me after a time. But today, I was energized by each and every interaction. I loved greeting everyone with hugs and kisses and taking time to chat. It was easy. Effortless. I wonder if that's what extroverts feel like all the time.
That moment when one of our Torah readers discovered, today, that he'd learned the wrong Torah portion! And our recently retired Rabbi Reisner, was able to pinch hit and read the portion. What a moment! As bad as I felt for our friend, I was happy Rabbi Reisner was able to participate in the service in an overt and meaningful way. .
That moment when Jacob stood before the Torah scrolls and started Ein Kamocha.... I thought to myself: "Ok Jeanne. There are no pictures, no video, so you'd better take a deep breath, and be fully present and take this all in so it will live strong in your memory. Pay attention." And I did. And as I allowed myself to really soak in the moment, I started to cry.
That moment when Jacob finished the blessings after his Haftorah and stood with a big GOOFY cheeseball grin on his face as he pointed at his open mouth while the congregation showered him with candy!
That moment when Hillel and I read the fabulous speech Hillel wrote for Jacob (I wish I could say I helped, but aside from deciding who said what, it was all him!) It just felt good, and natural, and right. And even though I worried it was kind of long, many people came up to each of us afterward to say how much they enjoyed it, and how inspiring and meaningful they found it.
Those moments in Jacob's dvar where the listeners laughed in the right places.
All those moments of eye contact with assorted friends and family through the service with smiles, nods, blown kisses, and happy shining eyes.
Such love. Such joy. May everyone have lives filled with moments like this. I am grateful. So so grateful.