Unusual but interesting day today - I led a Bar Mitzvah service on Masada for a family from Florida with whom an old friend put me in touch a few months ago. Nice people, the boy chanted very nicely from a small paper Torah that they had brought along, and all in all, it was a meaningful day. I gave a short crash (sermon-study session) on the Torah portion, gave the young man a blessing, and we had a little bread and grape juice after the service so that he could make the blessings over them. The family had hired a driver with an air-conditioned Mercedes van with a built-in refrigerated console filled with bottled water, so we all stayed cool and hydrated for the trip. We stopped at the Dead Sea swimming area afterward, which with the sharp and slippery rocks, was not too pleasant. Overall, a great trip and a meaningful day for a family.
Tomorrow, my first interview in support of my independent study project, so more to come!
Saul, Thank you so much for meeting with my Bar Mitzvah Family. They showed me the photos and the movie of Ryans Bar Mitzvah Service on top of Masada. You gave the family a very meaningful memory that will be cherished forever.
ReplyDeleteAlso, I was sorry to hear you cut your foot during the Dead Sea experience. OY! Hope you healed fast.
Ryan will be having his Florida Bar Mitzvah Service this coming Shabbat. His Bar Mitzvah speech will include a description and impressions of the family's first ever trip to Israel. A wonderful time was had by all.
Fondly,
Jan Lieberman
Boynton Beach, Florida