This year, I had the privilege of celebrating my bat mitzvah at Ansche Chesed. At 30 years old, I stood in front of my family, friends, and Jewish community as I read from the Torah and reflected on my womanhood and the values I hope to bring into my adult life.
Thinking about that weekend in March, I am left feeling the warmth and joy of the experience. The images that come to mind are memories I will cherish forever: my mother, beaming at me from the front row, a string of my grandmother’s pearls around her neck; the row of my dearest friends stretching across an entire pew; my extended family, gathered from across the country, singing loudly (and off-key); the kind messages and smiles of the members of the Ansche Chesed congregation.
I have felt so lucky this year to be surrounded by people who want to support and celebrate me, who I want to support and celebrate. This experience has given me hope that, through connection, passion, acceptance, and effort, there is so much beauty to be found in our world, no matter how broken or frustrating we sometimes find it. This is what I am carrying with me into the holidays and the new year; thank you for being a part of it!
