Shalom Parents!!!
Today we had the opportunity to go to the bar/bat mitzvah’s of 25 kids in the village. First we went to a short casual service in the village’s synagogue. As you may imagine the service was a bit different from a bar mitzvah that we ever attended. The service was held in one small room with 25 kids and their biological parents who were able to make it. Here in Israel, and especially in the village services for a bar mitzvah are not nearly as formal as in Pittsburgh. Many people were in jeans and sweatpants, phones were ringing everywhere, kids were moving around, and there was constant chatter.
After the service we ate breakfast outside the synagogue. Then we went on a boat ride with music and dancing.
Next we went to the party where the whole village joined us. Everyone was dressed up and was having a blast!
Being a part of this special day for the kids showed us how lucky we are. It made us realize that sometimes we take things for granted. For those of us that have been bat/bar mitzvahed I’m sure some of us would say that at that point in our life it was the best day ever. On that day all the attention was on us, but for the kids in the village they had to share that attention with 24 other kids. It was touching to see that even under tough circumstances this day could have easily been the best day of their lives as well. We realized how lucky we are to have parents as great as you!! Thanks for all you do!
Best,
Brooke