Laurie Kimmelstiel weaves Jewish prayer shawls on a traditional Swedish loom. Their softness, their comfort, their beautiful design envelops the wearers, allowing them to focus on prayer and God’s presence. “It separates them from the rest of the world,” says Kimmelstiel of New York. Her spiritually-guided weaving is informed by hiddur mitzvah, she says, “the…
In an effort to elevate the N’nai Mitzvah program at Congregation Neveh Shalom, they recently welcomed, Leora Lubliner as the B’nai Mitzvah Coordinator.Leora Lubliner. Leora’s responsibilities include coordinating all aspects of communication and preparation for our students and families as they embark on this transformative journey, starting from the fifth grade. She will ensure that…
PHOTO: Eddy Shuldman and her parents at her bat mitzvah (1966). OJM 07171 The tradition of girls having bat mitzvah ceremonies in the United States is relatively new. Bat mitzvahs weren’t customary until the 1960s, and it took until the 1980s for it to be commonplace for girls to read from the Torah. The…
Photo: The author’s bar mitzvah party featuring Mr. Jiggs the chimp was an example of over-the-top extravaganzas popular in the 1970s and 1980s. Perhaps the most iconic ritual in Judaism, the bar mitzvah is steeped in meaning and tradition. For generations Jewish boys, and more recently girls, have heard the call of the Torah…
PHOTO: A girl celebrates her bat mitzvah at the Western Wall with Women of the Wall. PHOTO BY MIRI TZACH You might be surprised to learn that egalitarian prayer services, including celebrations of bar/bat mitzvahs, continue regularly at the Kotel (Western Wall). Lost amid the controversy concerning the Government of Israel’s decision to renege on its…
Portland historian Tracy Prince, Ph.D., was raised deep in the South and deep in the culture of what she calls “hell fire and damnation Christian.” When she and her husband, Portland attorney Scott Schaffer, had their first child 14 years ago and were brainstorming names, Tracy lobbied hard for one of her favorites, a nostalgic…
Photo: A bat mitzvah party in Ashland. PARTY PLANNERS BLC Events 02380 SW Military Road Portland, OR 97219 503-310-4467 blcevents.com BLC Events is an event concierge and planning company. We handle all sorts of events including weddings, bar/bat mitzvahs and corporate parties. We are best known for our creative ideas, unique touches and attention to…
