A Coming of Age

You begin the process of studying and preparing and you know it is years in the making – but you forge ahead.  It’s what you are supposed to do.  Sure, you complain a little here and there but ultimately you know it’s important.  Why?  Because your parents expect you to do so – Because your whole family has done this – Because you’ve promised your rabbi your commitment – and then, somewhere along the way…

Because it truly means something to YOU.

I’m not sure we will ever find all the words to express just how proud we are of our son’s accomplishments in becoming a Bar Mitzvah this year.  It showed dedication, strength of character, thirst for knowledge, and belief in something bigger than himself.  He held steadfast in the challenge and he soared!  Just as intended, he has grown so very much from the experience.  He put his heart and soul into the process, and through this rite of passage, he has developed into an amazing young man.

Our hearts swell seeing who he has become over the past 13 years and we look so forward to watching all that he will become – I’m sure it will be quite the journey!

Mazel Tov Ethan!

Many thanks to Amy Stern Photography for capturing his special day!

Jammin’ With My Daughter

Strawberry season always brings to mind fond memories of helping my Mom make homemade jam.  It is such a vivid and happy memory from my childhood that the thought of the newly-made jam spread on top of warm buttered toast makes my mouth begin to water.  So I was excited that my daughter was eager this year to participate for the first time in the jam-making process.  She quickly cleared the counters, found the empty jars in the pantry, and readied herself to dive right in!  I put her to work cleaning and chopping her favorite fruit while I prepared the hot jars.  We made a great team as we made 2 dozen beautiful jars of the bright red jam.  We had so much fun together and celebrated each and every jar’s “pop” as it sealed tight!!  Later, the whole family enjoyed the freshly-made jam... on top of warm buttered toast.  I can only hope this is a memory for her that will last another lifetime.