I’m so excited. This is a divine weekend, for sure, and I have been so looking forward to its arrival. There is such an amazing story about how I got here, which I will tell later, but, for now, the beauty of the fact that I am here is enough.
So, tonight begins Max’s Bar Mitzvah experience. I’m in Montvale, New Jersey, and we are holding the Destination Bar Mitzvah ceremony tomorrow evening at the Unitarian Church in Montvale in New Jersey. Who’d-a-thought? Audrey, Max’s Mom and I have only seen each other a few times through a unique video-chat setup in their home, so Audrey wasn’t sure we would find each other as I arrived in baggage claim, in Newark, but as soon as I stepped one foot into baggage, we knew immediately who each other was.
Have you ever had one of those times, where you met someone for the first time, but felt sure you had known them all your life? Well, this is Audrey. But, it shouldn’t surprise me, because we must not forget that I am connected to Audrey, because of Sharon, my soul-sista from Yelena’s wedding in the DR. And, there’s a whole story about how I got connected to Yelena, (through Rabbi Andrea in New York) so this whole thing is one big insane Law-of-Attraction story that nobody will really ever believe.
But what’s important, is that I’m here. I’m here to keep a boy connected to Judaism, whose family has left 4 synagogues, because they never felt welcome, in fact, quite the opposite. I’m here to let a boy know that his Jewish heritage will never let him down, as long as he stays connected to it, and that the effort he makes is worth way more than the quality he performs with. I’m here to bring a Jewish and Non-Jewish family together, to help them see the richness of our faith, and the blessings we receive when we embrace it. I’m here, because G-d brought me here, and I couldn’t be more proud.
Max, I can’t wait to share this moment with you tomorrow. Audrey, thank you for dinner tonight, and for making me part of your family. Sharon – I adore you. You are more my soul-sista tonight than ever. Rob – you’re an amazing father and husband, and I’m honored to be part of this simcha. Stay tuned … I am officiating Max’s Bar Mitzvah, live, Friday night!
boy am i grateful to jeff herring. out here in central pa, there is actually a great rabbi and a regional congregation, but there’s not as much litugy as i would run into when i lived in say manhattan where i got to watch my beloved friend ellen become bas mitsvah. or eat at her table for the holidays. and here you are. talking about what matters. yea you!
a
This is a wonderful entry. I actually felt a spiritual surge run through me as I read it. I am very much looking forward to reading about the Bar Mitzvah experience itself. Thank you so much for sharing.
Dear Michael –
P.S….I have also taken the time to check out your site, The Gantseh Megillah, and loved it! Great job! I’ll be over to post some additional comments!
Feel free to join my Megillah mailing list at http://www.pass.to/glossary/subscribe.htm It would be great having you. Now, please do not feel I am trying to apply pressure. I know you are busy, so if you do not care to join at this time, I love ya anyway. 🙂
>and that the effort he makes is worth way more than the quality he performs with.
Exactly! I couldn’t agree more.
Denise
Thanks, Denise! So glad you made it over to read the blogs!