This morning was one of the most meaningful shabbat services at Beth El since I arrived. While the davening was beautiful and the kiddish was delicious my joy came from watching three members of our adult bnai mitzvah class proudly take an aliyah and read Torah. It was inspiring to see three adults, all with different backgrounds study with our Hazzan on a weekly basis to reach this point. What made the day even more special was that all three individuals had their children, all of whom are approaching their bnai mitzvah, in attendance. Their children got to witness first hand the time and effort it took to learn and prepare for this moment. Their children got to witness first hand that Jewish learning continues after age 13. Their children saw that the synagogue is not a place where children are dropped off, its a place where families come together to celebrate.
It was an amazing morning!