Welcoming a New Daughter

June 26, 2009

It has been fascinating to watch and experience how the rituals of traditional Judaism are incorporated into the lives of Israelis who do not consider themselves “religious.” Tonight we had the opportunity to join Atar and Gil at their home for a gathering of close to 100 people to celebrate Neta’s birth. The yard of their small house in Kfar Vitkin was filled with tables, chairs and a number of umbrellas to shade the 5 o’clock sun. Fruit, small pastries, champagne, and other treats were in abundance. The woman rabbi who had officiated at their wedding (although I am not entirely sure what that means because the only official officials are Orthodox rabbis) led the ceremony. Although the event was conducted in Hebrew I was able to recognize the incorporation of a few blessings, especially when Atar’s father recited the traditional blessing over a daughter. Candles were lit, but not blessed, but two challahs were blessed. There were oodles of grandchildren and cousins from Neta up to 16 years. Little Ziv, who turned 3 on Saturday, sang two songs, standing confidently with the mike in front of this huge crowd. What an amazing kid. We had the chance to meet 3 of Atar's 4 sibs, one of whom runs an educational farm in the park not far from us so we visited the next morning to see butterflies and pick some sunflowers. Her youngest sister is helping to produce the Maccabi games that start next week, so she invited us to a dress rehearsal of the opening ceremony next Saturday night at the Ramat Gan. These are the kinds of chance connections that have helped to make this experience exhilarating.