Max's Bar Mitzvah

This past weekend, we celebrated Max's coming of age in the Jewish tradition. A Bar Mitzvah. The planning of this weekend was done over the last 9 years, since Max started learning about the Jewish faith, history, and culture at our local synagogues Sunday school class. Last year, while we started preparing for the event, we decided that our old temple was not for us, and went in search of another option.

We were lucky enough to find Shema Israel, and a wonderful teacher who was able to teach Max from the beginning. The ceremony was very nice, and Max was flawless. His portion was Bo - the plagues during Moses's time. Sam, his younger brother, illuminated everyone in the congregation by knowing the different plagues - given the Hebrew words by the rabbi - and told us all what they were. I was a very proud mama. The kiddush after the ceremony was very nice, too.

Later, we had a "kid party" at Dave & Busters to celebrate many years of learning. Max's friends and family were treated to a dinner, billiards, shuffleboard and games in the gameroom. All went fairly smoothly. Whew.

I'll download a picture later.

Shift Happens

Just as I was starting to write this post, my finger slipped, and low and behold, it published without writing anything. So, everything I am writing now, in this post, happens to be an edit.

I found that interesting and sublimely humorous. What kind of humor is that, eh?

Anyways, I have sat down to write several times over the past few weeks, only to be stymied by the slow computer network, or other virtual bugs. So, today, as I am feeling somewhat serene, it has been easy to log on and write.

This serene feeling has come on the heels of an acerbating week of emotional, physical and spiritual shift. Yes, shift happens.

Max is about to turn 13. Since I converted to Judaism, and agreed to raise any children Jewish, we are getting ready for a bar mitzvah. A coming to age ceremony. Of course, the spiritual and material functions of this is difficult to ascertain. Right now, as the mom, I have certain responsibilities, either agreed upon in advance, or not, that heads us towards the ceremony and festivities afterward. "In a couple of weeks," my son expresses to me, "I will be the man of the house." I just look at him when he says this. I wonder if he'll take out the trash or do something else he considers "manly".

I am finding myself turning inwards, too, eventhough circumstances dictate my physical body do otherwise. I have found some inner peace creating the Tallis which will be my gift to him at his bar mitzvah. The Tallis is a prayer shawl which is made a special way, with symbolism and prayer. It has been an education for me to attempt this piece, and I am about 1/3 of the way finished. If anyone reading this is interested, you can click here to see what I am alluding to.

The days are seemingly blending together now, as I strive to stay present and available for Max and Sam as they are struggling through their shifts.