Dear Sillies,
I went away last week, and I returned this week.
My love bug nephew in So Cal (the chocolate-smudged cutie in the right side-bar of this page) had his big day. Finally.
Jeremy turned 13 just as news of COVID broke. His big day was thus canceled, rescheduled, canceled, and re-scheduled again. In the meantime, his 14th Birthday went by.
His last living grandparent, now 91, had a big health scare and went from her nursing home to the hospital. She pushed through and attended his Bar Mitzvah this past weekend. Approximately 70 people did, including me.
With only three weeks to learn and re-learn the service -- we got news about the temple's tenuous future, so the family had to plan quickly-- he led the service eloquently. I was and still am k'velling (boasting, expressing pride).
2016, age 9 (and 49)
2021, age 14 (and 54)When did he grow to be so tall?! I look up to him even more than it appears here. He's more resilient,compassionate, patient, and mature than me. He's also very clever and witty.
In his speech, Jeremy thanked his parents for "giving me the freedom and opportunities to choose my own spiritual path." He's chosen both Judaism and Christianity. We're all very proud.
If you're wondering, the proper greeting for an event like this is "Mazel Tov." This means "congratulations."
Thank you, and I love you, my dears.
That's great he finally had his Bar Mitzvah and with everyone in attendance!
ReplyDeleteYes, Alex, especially having his 91 year old Grandma there. Very special. Thank you.
DeleteDid you get to circumcise him? :) Actually I look up the practice and like the guy that wrote the article said, it's complicated.
ReplyDeletehttps://amenvamen.com/bar-mitzvah-circumcision
Too much? :)
DeleteMazel Tov, Jeremy! I hope your Auntie Robyn gave you a gift certificate for a lifetime of chocolate!
ReplyDeleteOh no, Debra. He still likes chocolate, but I gave him a gift card for art computer games and programs that I'll never understand (Best Buy). He went out the next morning with my bro (his dad) and splurged. Yippee. (I still monopolize the chocolate.)
DeleteMazel Tov a tu sobrino te mando un beso
ReplyDeleteEnamorada de las letras
Muchas gracias, JP.
DeleteMazel Tov to Jeremy, to his grandmother and, dear Robyn, to you.
ReplyDeleteDearest Geo, thank you kindly.
DeleteVirtual hugs.
Mazel Tov all round.
ReplyDeleteThanks so much, EC. You and your sentiment are appreciated.
DeleteMazel Tov! He is a handsome young man. Jewish and Christian is a good blend, I think. It was good enough for Jesus :)
ReplyDeleteGreat point, Elizabeth.
DeleteIt was good enough for Jesus, so it's good enough for Jeremy.
Mazel Tov
ReplyDeleteThank you, Lisa. I appreciate it.
DeleteThanks for dropping by, too.
Cheers.
Mazel Tov. Sounds like a gem of a young man, and I'm sure he appreciates his Aunt Robyn. He's a cutie with a nice smile, and no doubt, a sharp wit. I've been to a Bar Mitzvah and it's impressive. I admire the history, etc and a good cantor's singing just rings in the soul. Glad you could go and that the grandmother could attend. Wow!
ReplyDeleteThanks for your meaningful sentiment, Joanne. Yeah, the Cantor is a Cantor-Rabbi -- both. She was very entertaining and impressive.
DeleteJinx. Our postcards crossed paths. Woohoo.
That's awesome, congrats to him.
ReplyDeleteYes, thank you, Mary.
DeleteI'm proud.
Mazel Tov! How nice to finally have his big day. Wishing him health and happiness throughout his life!
ReplyDeleteFinally, Martha. It was worth the wait!
DeleteThanks.
I just want to tell you that I was on your blog today and happened to look at your picture on the left side and when the eye moved, I about jumped out of my skin. Oh you got me good.
ReplyDeleteHa. Bryan Pedas is phenomenal. I asked him to do that, and he did. He's a magician with technology.
DeleteI get the sense you're not easily "gotten," and I'll let him know. Smiles.
Lovely memory. I remember when he was little. Glad you had a nice time together, and that he finally got his special occasion. Good job Auntie!
ReplyDeleteThank you, Anthony. I did nothing but support and love him from 500 miles away. He's well loved, as he should be.
DeleteHugs to you.
Jeremy sounds like a wonderful young man! Glad he got to enjoy his special day.
ReplyDelete