Dear Lia,

Thank you for including me in your Bat Mitzvah thoughts, I am truly honored. I am also very proud of you as I know you have worked hard to reach this day. It is a momentous event in every Jewish person's life and was an important time for me too. 

My Bar Mitzvah was in an Orthodox Shul in Toledo, Ohio and was followed by a party in my backyard with a special cake and a keg of Vernors Ginger Ale. 

My wife Patti became a Bat Mitzvah together with a group of other women at our synagogue when she was 39 years old. I couldn't understand why her father didn't throw the party so I took everyone to the Pancake House. 

Finally, I recall the b'nai mitzvot of my daughter and later my son. Their parties were at our synagogue and we made our own decorations in our basement. I remember the social aspects not because of their size, fun, or food, but because they are an important piece of the Jewish tradition of celebrating life cycle events together with family and friends. 

Now, I look forward to the continuing Jewish education of my granddaughters who are learning Hebrew at the Solomon Schechter School in Boston and to the days when they each become a Bat Mitzvah. My hope for them is that they will put into their observances the same energy and thoughtful feelings that I sense you have made for your special day.

I'm hardly qualified to give words of advice. At your birth, your mom did all the work, your dad cheered you both on, and I didn't drop you. 

I would like to relate a recent event that has some significance to me.

Several weekends ago, a sofer (scribe) came lo out Synagogue and wrote the first word, Bereshit, in our new Torah. Visualize this: an observant, bearded man explaining his craft, a sacred tradition, to the children and adults in our congregation. He was well prepared, wrote beautiful Hebrew letters and answered questions with accuracy and humor. 

Your Bat Mitzvah is also a beginning, a beginning of your Jewish adult life as you take your place with the Jewish matriarchs Sarah, Rebecca, Rachel and Leah. As you follow in their footsteps may your life be rich in tradition and happiness.

You've worked hard, you won't make a single mistake, have some fun at the party too.

Mazel tov,
Melvin V. Gerbie, M.D.

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