My Granddaughter Rachel's Big Day

Jeff–Saturday

 

Today is the Bat Mitzvah of my youngest granddaughter, Rachel Ida McLaughlin, and I couldn’t be prouder of her!  She’s an accomplished actress, musician, vocalist, martial artist, and scholar. And this weekend her family and friends join in celebrating this hard-earned, well-deserved milestone event in her life!

For those of you who many wonder what is a Bat Mitzvah (pronounced Baht Mitts-vah), the simplest explanation is that it’s the coming of age religious ritual for a Jewish girl, as the Bar Mitzvah ritual is for a Jewish boy.  For a girl the age is generally above twelve, and for a boy it’s thirteen.

 

The history of the Bar Mitzvah actually dates back to a fifth century reference in a religious text to a blessing recited by a father thanking God for freeing him from responsibility for the deeds of his son, based upon his son attaining an age that made him accountable for his own actions.  

 

How many fathers of all faiths still pray for similar debt relief. :)

 

The Bat Mitzvah celebration has its roots in 19^th century European tradition but did not make its way to the United States until 1922. It now flourishes in many communities as a revered family occasion of great joy.

 

And that’s precisely what Rachel brings to all blessed to know her…great joy.

 

As her Zayde (grandfather), this day brings the promise of special joy to me, for perhaps now her parents will think of her as old enough to read her Zayde’s books!

 

Yiayia and I love you Rachel. We all do. Mazel Tov.

 

The entire crew of grandkids--12 years ago

–Zayde