Our family gathered
up in Sharon this past weekend to celebrate another milestone: our Ella
becoming a Bat Mitzvah. As you can
see, the family planned a very full weekend.
We started the festivities on Thursday, when five of the ladies went together to have their nails done. This is not something I ever do but I just had to join in! Barry keeps washing all the dishes. Maybe I’m on to something….
As you look at the invitation, it helps to know that “Tefilat Nashim” is a reference to a prayer service for women that is led by women. Ella led “Kabbalat Shabbat,” the Friday evening introductory prayers, delivered a “D’var Torah” (words of Torah) following the Shabbat morning prayer service, and led “Mincha,” the afternoon prayer service, including reading a portion from the Torah. She was skilled and poised and, to use a sports metaphor her brother would appreciate, totally hit the ball out of the park. After Mincha, various family members spoke, and then Dina and Aaron sponsored a catered dinner for a large group of friends and family.
Meanwhile, Dina had done an amazing amount of preparation: all of the immediate family and some out of town guests ate dinner Friday night and lunch on Shabbat day prepared by Dina, with a little help from Simmie, at Dina and Aaron’s home. I am still exhausted just thinking about how much Dina was able to do, all the while looking relaxed and jubilant.
Here are the words I shared with the group:
Dear Ella,
Here we are, celebrating our third grandchild coming of age in less than a year. One might think that this gets a little tired, but amazingly it does not. Joshua and Eliana and you, Ella, are such amazing and different young people that sitting down to write words to share has been a brand new and refreshing challenge each time.
When your mom and your aunt were young, it seemed like your Sabba and I had each cleverly managed to have our own little clone. But as our daughters grew, it became clear that, looks aside, our girls were not simply duplicates of their parents: in fact, they were far better versions of us. If I was Version 1.0, then your mom was clearly Version 2.0, an enormous enhancement to Version 1.0. It should come as no surprise that one of the many strengths of Version 2.0 is that she is a much better mother than Version 1.0 was. And now, in you, we have Version 3.0. It is hard to imagine a better or more perfect version, one that could outdo your intelligence, your caring nature, or your bright smile that simply lights up a room, and it is hard to imagine a more patient or loving a big sister for Julia and Noah. And even though he might be reluctant to admit it, Joshua must know how truly blessed he is to have you on his team.
Ariel has clearly done a fine job helping you prepare for this day. I wish I could have worked with you more, but sometimes life gets in the way of the things we want to do. Not wanting to completely abandon my role, a few weeks ago, I asked you if you would lein for me. I could see you were somewhat reluctant, but then I think you realized how much this would mean to me and you agreed to do it. I will forever cherish those moments, as I will forever cherish the many blessings that have allowed me to be here and celebrate with you today. Thank you for continuing to fill my life with joy and sunshine. I love you, Ella Bella!
On Sunday morning, nearly 70 friends gathered at Launch Trampoline Park. The kids had a great time bouncing and then Dina and Aaron showed a photo montage while everyone at birthday cake and other treats.
We drove back to New York on Sunday afternoon so that we could get up first thing Monday morning and head down to MSKCC for my 6th treatment. That is why I have been somewhat delayed in posting all of this.
Have a great week!
Love,
Rebecca
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