L’Dor V’Dor: Celebrating the Bar Mitzvah of Jacob Singer
Thirteen years ago, our family was thrilled to welcome the newest member of the Singer family, baby Jacob. Jacob immediately stole our hearts with his bright smile and loving ways. As with all of our grandchildren, he brought endless joy to Myra and me, as his devoted grandparents.
Our family is a large one, blessed with the comfort and joy that comes from our choice to have Judaism and its rituals as a constant guide on how to be, and how to grow into our lives as we mature and take on new responsibilities, and yes, even as we grow into making the most of our golden years.
It is with great pride that I will be joining with the family this weekend to celebrate Jacob’s Bar Mitzvah.
I made this video in 2011 so that I would never forget the happiness we all felt when when we first welcomed Jacob, and to express my feelings on the importance of the connections from one generation to another.
The following is what I want to share with my grandson on his special day:
Jacob,
Mazel Tov on your Bar Mitzvah! As you step into this role as a Jewish teenager, it's a significant milestone that fills us all with immense pride and admiration. You are now the GPS of your life, with your parents as the co-pilots, guiding and supporting you every step of the way, and proudly admiring the person you have become and are yet to be.
Today is a special day that your grandmother, Myra, would have loved to witness. I know she is here in her way, proud of the young man you have become. Grandma’s heart of compassion, kindness, and goodwill are traits you have carried on, and may that be a testament to your leadership.
Mazel Tov, Jacob!
Preparing for a Bar Mitzvah is no small task, and you have shown great commitment to reaching this point. Your studies, your practice, and your understanding of what it means to be Jewish are all testaments to your effort and character.
We stand with you to celebrate your hard work and dedication. Preparing for a Bar Mitzvah is no small task, and you have shown great commitment to reaching this point. Your studies, your practice, and your understanding of what it means to be Jewish are all testaments to your effort and character.
As you move forward, remember that becoming a Bar Mitzvah is not just about today. It’s about the future and the choices you will make. In life, you will face challenges and make mistakes, yet you will continue to grow and prosper. May the richness of your Judaic foundation guide you through it all. I ask you never to forget the love and support of your family as you conquer your dreams and goals.
Remember to hold in the strength behind your namesake. Jacob was a leader of the people who ultimately became known as Israel. He was adventurous and stood out by being accountable for challenges and accepting growth through responsibility.
Alexander is a name with power and determination honoring your great uncle for his Judaic life and commitment to the people of Israel through his work and charitable efforts. Together, may your name guide you through life’s most precious moments.
May this special day be the beginning of a life filled with joy, wisdom, and fulfillment. May you continue to make your family proud and always find strength and guidance in your faith.
Today, we are in a world of great challenge for the Jewish community, and I urge you to recognize the potential within you to be the leader our people need, and the world needs. Never be afraid to express our differences and commonalities, as each will bridge the essence of who and what we are. As we come to know others in our world, and they us, we must encourage everyone to see beyond what separates us and rather what connects us.
Jacob, I may be a Rabbi, but today, and always, I look up to you as the great leader of our future. I could not be prouder of you at this very moment.
Love,
Grandpa Merle