When I was growing up my family lived one block from the orthodox synagogue where my parents belonged.  We were not strictly orthodox, but my grandparents belonged there, so my parents did too.  Girls did not become a Bat Mitzvah as they do today.  They attended Hebrew School but were not allowed to read from the Torah.  I had one friend who became a Bat Mitzvah at 13 years old and I remember the ceremony consisted of her standing with other girls wearing a corsage and accepting a certificate.  My mother had asked me if I wanted to go to the class but typical of children and Hebrew School, I said "No."

As an adult, I definitely regretted that decision.  The first time I realized that was when my father died and I could not recite the Kaddish.  I had to read the transliteration.  It just did not feel right.  Again, when my oldest daughter became a Bat Mitzvah, I not only could not help her, but I could not participate in the service.  It was at that time that I decided one day I would learn to read Hebrew and become an Adult Bat Mitzvah. 

But something always took priority; being active in the schools, my synagogue, working in my husband's business.  Well, last November, no more excuses!  We retired and at the same time our synagogue newsletter announced an Adult Bat Mitzvah class.  They had not had one in years.  It was besheret.   Seven other women and I began our "6-week crash Hebrew course."  Well, maybe it's 6 weeks when you are eight years old, but at our age, we took the 6 week course all year (and still have a lesson every other week)!  We also meet weekly with our Rabbi and learn about Judaism, the holidays and the service.  For the first time in my life, this year I could follow the High Holiday service.  My husband was so proud of me.

June 2006, I, along with the other women, will become a Bat Mitzvah.  We will be able to read from the Torah and my family will be there to share it with me. 

I must admit learning to chant the brachas has not been easy at this age.  My Barbra Streisand CD in my car has been replaced by my Cantor's CD and my husband purchased a "boom box" for me that sits on my nighttable so I can practice, practice, practice and hopefully I'll make my family and myself proud.

I'll keep you posted.

Wish me luck!

So as my Mama always said, "I wish for you, what you wish for yourself."

 

Buddee

 

By the way, if you have any questions, or have ideas for something you’d like me to write about, email my daughter and she’ll tell me (I’d say to email me, but…well…let’s just say I’d won’t be giving advice on how to use a computer.)

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