Shai's Bar Mitzvah

January 24, 2009

In contrast to last week, there were about 150 people at Beit Daniel today, at least 20 teens, both boys and girls. It was difficult to hear the chanting of the haftorah for three reasons: today’s candy was wrapped in crinkly plastic and foil, making a noise if touched much less picked up; the din as people seemed to be talking about the passing of candy and excitement over hurling it; and, other people saying “shh, shh, shh.” When nearly finished, Shai paused for an imperceptible second, but apparently this was a signal to let fly with the barrage. There was a lot of laughter and then he commented and made a motion with his hand that caused a cease-fire so he could finish the final verse or two. The missiles were then launched again to laughter and applause.
Many people called to the Torah seem unfamiliar with the ritual. The gabbai points, word for word, at the blessing which is printed on a large, laminated card and sits on a stand on the bimah. Usually, the person with the aliyah does not repeat the congregation’s verse and I do not know if that is the custom or lack of familiarity.
During the afternoon, Linda and I walked to the Tel Aviv Art Museum, only about 30 minutes from our apartment, another example of how accessible many parts of this city are. There was a steady stream of visitors strolling through the well-lighted galleries of mostly impressionist and post-impressionist art. What was striking about the visitors was the number of children in the 3-8 or so age range. While they were not all perfectly attentive and indeed many took delight in running about, the fact that there were so many children here on family outings, that parents felt it feasible to bring children for an outing to the art museum, stunned me. While I might imagine a visit to an art museum with Rachel at this age, I could not imagine one with Gregory. Indeed, we have stories to tell about such attempts!