Home

This week we read Parshat Behar, which means on the mountain. This week my family stands at the base of a momentous occasion as well, Shelby’s Bat Mitzvah. Everything about our people’s narrative of revelation at Mount Sinai has become clearer to me because of our approaching Simcha. From the time of her birth, I knew that a Bat Mitzvah would approach. For years we prepared and planned and envisioned this Shabbat. Yet, as it approaches, it appears even more spectacular than I could have imagined. I am more emotional than I could have predicted. It means more than I would have assumed. So we prepare ourselves and we guard the mountain. For in the end, only Shelby can ascend. This Shabbat is for Shelby to acknowledge her role in our tradition, and in our people, and in our future. We watched as Moses returned from his experience atop Mount Sinai a changed person. It will be one of his conversations with God that Shelby will chant this Shabbat. Her voice will return to the symphony of revelation that occurred at Mount Sinai for us. She will take her place. Blair and I will watch with awe. I hope you can join us.

Shabbat Shalom,

Rabbi Nolan Lebovitz