It was a year ago yesterday when out daughter became a Bat Mitzvah. On one hand, it seems like just yesterday when she stood on the bimah and chanted the Torah. Because she is such a private person, anytime we asked her how her Bat Mitzvah practice was going, she would only say "fine", the famous teenage catch phrase that means anything from "terrific" to "I'm about to have a nervous breakdown!" And when we asked her tutor, he would say she was doing good. And then at the rehearsal, we heard her for the first time, at least we heard some whispers. No matter how close the microphone was to her, we could barely hear her. So we were nervous for her. Her Bat Mitzvah would be in three days and there weren't much we could do. Plus, we didn't want to add to the stress.
She looked beautiful that morning, a little nervous but otherwise good. Then the service started and we were shocked! She did a wonderful job! Not only could we hear her, but she sounded confident and she knew her stuff. As parents, we can only do so much but it really it really is up to the child to get up in front of the congregation and lead a service. It truly is an awe-inspiring moment. And I feel it every time I attend a Bar or Bat Mitzvah, the sense of connecting to your history. It is such a beautiful moment.
So I'm so glad I got to spend some time remembering with my drawing. I don't know what it is about Jessica that I have never done a good job drawing her. I guess I will keep trying. Here is the original.
And finally, here is the video I put together of Jess which we showed at the party!
A beautiful impression of your memory of that day. I think Jessica would treasure it if you someday framed it for her, maybe as a graduation gift or something.
ReplyDeleteThanks, someday I hope she will look at these fondly.. 😊
DeleteI've said it before, and I'll say it again, beautiful family Ms Kari.
ReplyDeleteDeedles
Thanks, Deedles!
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