Jude’s Bar Mitzvah: November 2, 2023 (Album Studios)

And so, after what felt like eons, the last of my offspring has officially crossed the threshold into manhood according to the laws of Judaism. Jude’s saga leading up to this pivotal moment began ages ago, with debates swirling around whether to whisk the whole clan off on a vacation or throw a bash. We settled on a delightful hybrid: a getaway during March break coupled with a cozy service for the inner circle, followed by an all-out dance party for friends and extended family. This grand finale unfolded on a crisp November day, with Jude taking centre stage amidst the backdrop of Album Studios. Sure, we may dwell in the heart of downtown Toronto’s urban landscape, but that didn’t dull the sparkle of our festivities one bit.

Pictures immortalized our merry band, from immediate family of cousins and proud grandparents, all captured by my talented photographer friend Franc Natale. Inside Album Studios, Rabbi Yossi Sapirman conducted the ceremony, warm, funny, and inclusive, we all were spirited away by his charm and charisma. Jude’s Torah reading was a masterpiece, weaving eloquence and pride into every word. My modest guitar strumming, some soulful melodies, a dash of poetry — and voila! A ceremony to remember.

As dusk descended, JP Catering dazzled our taste buds with a feast fit for royalty, enjoyed in the cozy company of the family. By 8:30, as the night’s revellers began to trickle in, the energy shifted to a higher gear. The dance party kicked off, accompanied by a riveting slideshow and speeches that were memorable for all the right (and maybe a few wrong) reasons. With Tiffany from Bounce at the helm, we were whisked away to party paradise. Steve from FunPhoto manned the photo-booth, desserts vanished in a blink, and laughter filled the air as we delved into games of Kahoot, danced a limbo, and just immersed ourselves in revelry way past pumpkin hour.

Bravo, Jude! Now, we buckle up for the wild ride of weddings ahead.