Aliyah’s Bat Mitzvah: June 6, 2021
Photographed by Justine
Aliyah’s Bat Mitzvah (which was due to happen June 20th, 2020,) finally was slated June 6th, 2021. Even during a pandemic, her Bat Mitzvah at Beth Torah Synagogue, turned out to be such a spectacular event. There was an outpouring of love and affection from relatives, friends and people as far away as Israel, California, Cincinnati, Florida, New York, and Nova Scotia. The people in the synagogue in person were: Aliyah, Rhonda, Michael, Aunt Katleen, Bubie Rosalie and Zaida Ray, and Aliyah’s good friend Sasha, along with the Rabbinet, Cantor and videographer. A video of Aliyah’s Uncle Darren reciting a moving prayer for Israel was inserted in the slide show. Another 150 people were watching Live Stream. Everyone said they were so thrilled to be a part of it. We featured a heartfelt slide show with music before (and after) the bat mitzvah showing Aliyah growing up (right from her baby naming to the present day) surrounded by loving family and friends. The silk flowers on the beama were donated to a charity for children on the autistic spectrum.
Aliyah spoke so beautifully, and recited her parcha with grace, musical singing and beautiful tone. Her D’var Torah was very meaningful, which many people commented on, connecting themes of biblical times to today’s world. We had an impromptu drive by at our house after the event and almost 70 people came by to show their love and affection to Aliyah. It was quite a scene on the front lawn of our house, complete with purple and green balloons! We handed out gift bags to all. Pretty, bright green bags with pink tissue paper were filled with Kosher chocolate, an essential oil candle in a glass jar, special teas, candies, and a silk kippah. The rest of the people (in Toronto) who couldn’t be there, received their gift bags by personal delivery by family members, including Bubie Rosalie, Zaida Ray, Rhonda and Aliyah! Mazel Tov, Aliyah.
The Story of Aliyah’s Bat Mitzvah: Selected Photos HERE
All the Photos: HERE
•Clothing (Mitzvah): The Original
•Mauve silk keepah’s & silk talit: from Israel’s
•Photographer: Jonni Super Photography
•Videographer: John Darmody – Live Media
•Venue: Beth Torah Congregation
•Caterer: Two13 Kosher Catering/Catered lunch
•Rabbi: Dr. Rabbanit Rachael Turkienicz
•Cantor: David Edward
•Teachers: Aviva Chernik and Moshe Saadan
