It is a bittersweet privilege to invite our entire Shomrei community to mark the special milestones of two of our younger members – Nathan and Ben – becoming Bar Mitzvah.
The Shabbat of May 2 has long been on our calendar for the Nathan’s celebration and the Shabbat of May 16 has been long reserved for the Ben’s celebration. Each has put in lots of work to learn their Torah portion and their haftarah (prophetic) reading. And they have studied and thought about their Torah portions in order to share their own teachings with the community.
Unfortunately, our present situation does not allow us to gather together in prayer and in joy with their families Neither Nathan nor Ben will have the special honor of standing before the congregation at this time.
Instead, each family has prepared a video of greetings, chanting, teaching and blessings to mark their respective Shabbat, so eagerly anticipated. As we watch these videos, we can derive pleasure and pride from their growth and from the love of each of these strong families
In the future – may it be soon! – we are pledged to gather together and celebrate with these two wonderful young men and their families as soon as circumstances allow, and the families can re-plan their joyous occasions! We wait and we hope.
But for now, we salute Nathan and Ben and their families and thank them for their gifts to us at this challenging time.
Mazal Tov!
Rabbi David Greenstein
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