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A Timeless Simcha

Rabbi Greenwald guides Dovi during a practice session, empowering him with confidence as they prepare for his Bar Mitzvah at Chabad of Irvine, fostering a strong connection to his heritage. Photos Courtesy of Levi Lehman

Honoring the Past While Embracing the Moment’s Joy

The anticipation within our close-knit Jewish community in Irvine, California, peaked as we eagerly awaited the bar mitzvah of our youngest child, our son. After having four beloved daughters, the excitement surrounding this milestone was unparalleled.
    We knew that our son’s bar mitzvah, celebrated at Chabad of Irvine, would be an unforgettable experience filled with personal meaning, heartfelt emotions and the guiding presence of Rabbi Greenwald and the dedicated rabbis of the Hebrew Academy.
    Rabbi Greenwald’s passion, care, and commitment shone through from the outset. While he is not a formal teacher at the Hebrew Academy, we recognized his deep understanding of Judaism and ability to inspire greatness in his students.
    With these qualities in mind, we approached him with a heartfelt request: to prepare our son for his bar mitzvah, imparting not only the technical skills but also the wisdom and connection to our faith that would make the occasion truly meaningful.
      Rabbi Greenwald’s response was warm and enthusiastic, as he understood the significance of this moment in our son’s life. Over a year, our son embarked on a transformative journey of learning and growth, guided by Rabbi Greenwald’s expertise and unwavering support. Their bond went beyond the weekly sessions, extending into our family’s life, as Rabbi Greenwald’s teachings and mentorship became integral to our son’s journey.
    Rabbi Greenwald’s genuine care and nurturing nature touched our family. Whether it was the homemade treats prepared by his wife or the additional support he provided outside of regular sessions, Rabbi Greenwald’s love for his students and his dedication to their growth were evident.

Dovi showcases his growing expertise as he reads from the Torah in a pre-celebration moment, with his grandfather proudly joining him for the aliya, symbolizing the intergenerational strength and the profound impact of Jewish traditions.

     As the bar mitzvah day approached, excitement filled the air. Our son stood before the congregation, surrounded by family, friends, and community, ready to demonstrate his dedication and knowledge. At that moment, Rabbi Greenwald’s guidance and the teachings of the Hebrew Academy came to fruition as our son confidently chanted from the Torah, his voice filled with purpose and pride.
     And then, in that transformative moment, my father took the stage to address the congregation. As a survivor of religious persecution in communist Russia, his bar mitzvah was a clandestine event filled with fear and secrecy. The stark contrast between his experience and witnessing our son’s celebration openly was overwhelming for him, and the emotions in his voice echoed throughout the room.
    With tears in his eyes, my father shared the hardships he had experienced during his bar mitzvah. He shared his deep admiration and gratitude for being present, witnessing the freedom and pride with which our son could openly embrace his Jewish heritage.
    Rabbi Greenwald’s face beamed with pride as our son completed his final verses. The congregation joined in joyful singing, their voices intertwining with the timeless melody of “Siman Tov u’Mazel Tov.”
   Then, in a touching display of celebration, Rabbi Greenwald lifted our son onto his shoulders, creating an enduring image of unity and camaraderie. Pure joy filled the room representing the collective efforts of the dedicated and inspiring rabbis, teachers, and shul community that played an integral part in my son’s journey.
    For my father, that scene embodied our grandparents’ unyielding determination and unwavering resilience, who courageously faced and triumphed over formidable challenges. It symbolized the triumphant passage of traditions, the joyous celebration of our son’s achievements, and the indomitable bond between the dedicated team of rabbis, teachers, and eager students.
    As my father’s words resonated with everyone present, we were all reminded of our Jewish heritage’s incredible strength and resilience. We felt deeply grateful for the opportunities and freedoms we enjoy in America, where we could celebrate our son’s bar mitzvah openly and proudly.
    Surrounded by loved ones and a community united in celebration, we felt overwhelming gratitude for this transformative journey. We extend our heartfelt appreciation to the rabbis, teachers and the Hebrew Academy community for their inspiring guidance and profound impact on our son’s life. This bar mitzvah experience is a powerful testament to the immeasurable value of Jewish education, providing our son with a solid foundation of knowledge, values and community. The collective teachings support and empower him with a solid foundation of knowledge, values and community, enabling him to navigate life with confidence, integrity and a profound connection to our heritage.
    We are forever grateful to the Hebrew Academy for providing an educational environment that fosters academic excellence, personal growth and a deep connection to our faith. Together, they have shaped our son’s bar mitzvah experience into a celebration that exemplifies the power of a dedicated teacher, the unity of our community, and the enduring strength of our Jewish traditions.  

Rochie Popack is a contributing writer to Kiddish magazine.

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