This weekend was a landmark event for our family - for me, Ettie, and the children. Mendel just turned 13 on Friday and as we anticipate sharing the Bar Mitzvah reception and celebration with our Naples Mishpacaha next weekend, as is the custom, we witnessed Mendel's calling up to the Torah on the actual day in NY. Mendel recited his Chassidic discourse, five pages of philosophy by heart in Yiddish, in front of many rabbis (no pressure) and he aced it.
With perfect timing it was so special to come together at the Annual International Conference of Chabad Rabbis for stimulating workshops and to absorb wisdom from friends and colleagues. There must have been close to 5,000 friends from 84 nations that made it surreal and it was just so inspiring that we went on literally for 24 hours because we didn’t want to miss a minute! Add to this, the mind-boggling realization that now Mendel entered into this circle and joined in this amazing group of friends - it was powerful beyond words.
Mendel and Yitzi, with special permission, joined me at the amazing banquetand danced the night away, celebrating the light and the love.
We could not ask for greater nachas or gifts to instill in our children, the love of life and light of Torah that leads to unique friendships and the betterment of humanity around the world.
