At last the day of the BarMitzvah arrived. No photos are allowed during the service but we had a dress rehearsal on Thursday when we were allowed to take photos so here goes.
Jamie had been working hard at what he had to read during the service. Most was in Hebrew but some was in English. The Cantor was his tutor and she did a wonderful job preparing him for his special day. His preparation had started a year before but still he prepared sections every day.
Before the event the little girls wanted to look their best so toe nails and finger nails had to be polished. Granny did a good job and Kelsey enjoyed the special treatment.
We all got dressed in our best outfits.
There were several Kippahs for any visitors who might not have one of their own as well as for the family as a memento of the event.
On arrival we were allocated special seats. The Grandparents and I sat in the second row behind the family.
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| (Remember these pictures were taken at the rehearsal which is why the sanctuary was empty) |
Jamie moved to the Bimah where his Grandparents presented him with his Tallis which is what has become a family custom for them having presented all their Grandsons with a Tallis at each of their Bar Mitzvahs.
Jamie the had to do the first of his many readings in Hebrew.
He was able to have a short rest while the Rabbis did their sections.
He then proceeded to the Ark for more prayers.
The Rabbi was by his side to guide him along the way when necessary.
It was then his Granny's turn to open the curtains of the Ark. She was invited to the Bimah by the Rabbi.
My sister managed very well considering that where she stood she did not have a view of the curtains so had to be guided in order to know when they were open.
Once it was open the Torah was removed and handed to Jamie.
It was rather heavy and yet Jamie managed well despite having to cope with his Tallis that kept slipping as well.
His parents joined him to walk through the sanctuary for the congregation to see the Torah and touch it with their Tallis fringes or in the case of the ladies with their books. The Torah may not be touched with the hand once it is undressed for the reading.
Before reading the Torah, Jamie read his message of interpretation of the portion he was going to read.
Jamie had more readings to do before his Grandparents came to the Bimah to do a special Blessing in Hebrew. After their Blessing he read again and they prayed again.
Jamie had read 5 portions of the Torah beautifully.
It was then time to dress the Torah before placing it back in the Ark.
Kelsey and Jesslyn managed this task well.
It was then time for the Rabbi to deliver his message before the final prayers were said.
The service was very moving for me as I thought of Douglas and how much he would have enjoyed being there. The Old Testament readings were familiar and the final prayer of Blessing one we use at the end of most of our services. It was good that the book of prayers had English translations as well as the Hebrew words so I was able to follow what was being said. It also helped that the Rabbi always mentioned the page numbers in case we had got lost along the way.
The Cantor, who was Jamie's Tutor, had the voice of an Angel and it a joy to listen to her lead the singing in Hebrew all through the service.
There was much that was familiar to me but also much that was oh so different. This is a Reform not Orthodox congregation.
After his BarMitzvah sweets were tossed onto the Bimah, a symbol of the sweetness of his life after his BarMitzvah.
After the service we all moved into the Hall for the Kiddish or Feast and oh what a Feast it was. The family had ordered Balloons so the Hall was beautifully decorated and the caterers had made very tasty eats that were beautifully displayed. BUT as no photos were allowed I was not able to take any pictures.
We did do a photoshoot after the rehearsal.
My sister and the Cantor
The Family with the Grandparents
My side of the family with Jamie
A "Well done Kiss" from a proud Mommy.
The Cantor, who was Jamie's Tutor, had the voice of an Angel and it a joy to listen to her lead the singing in Hebrew all through the service.
There was much that was familiar to me but also much that was oh so different. This is a Reform not Orthodox congregation.
After his BarMitzvah sweets were tossed onto the Bimah, a symbol of the sweetness of his life after his BarMitzvah.
After the service we all moved into the Hall for the Kiddish or Feast and oh what a Feast it was. The family had ordered Balloons so the Hall was beautifully decorated and the caterers had made very tasty eats that were beautifully displayed. BUT as no photos were allowed I was not able to take any pictures.
We did do a photoshoot after the rehearsal.
My sister and the Cantor
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