It was my absolute honour to be a part of Jakob Morawiec's Bar Mitzvah and Birthday today. What a wonderful experience. To see a young man surrounded by loving and caring family and community. To see him present himself to a large audience of family, teachers, his Jewish community and the toughest audience - his peers, was a very moving affair.
Jakob explained the cenermony and its significance, recited the Torah in beautiful Hebrew and thanking his support community. 613 laws hey!
My favourite part was after a section of the Torah each adult family member recited a section of prayer - Grandfather, Uncle, Cousin, Father & Mother - then Jakob. He joined the adults of his family carring their heritage and dreams. I told him I saw him turn into a man. I also lost it again(blubbered like a baby) when he descibed himself as a Jewish man and the moral laws he would seek to uphold.
I loved seeing all the teenage boys spuced up gathered together to watch Jakob's celebration. I think my years of working in disadvantaged communities made it rewarding to see the power of community, especially for young men. You know, it seemed the initiated Aboriginal boys made it, many many others struggled with roaming the streets and nights in jail etc.
Although nervous, Jakob was impressive. I had to laugh when he caught his Mum's eye and she indicted 'Breathe' with her hands. He took a deep breathe and smiled at her. Seeing the Torah passed down the three gereations was also moving.
I had met Pappa (Jakob's grandfather) previously as he comes from New York to deliver the message of survival from the holocaust to middleschoolers each year. Woody and I work togther. The Morowic's gererously loaned me all the camping gear I used to travel to Grand Canyon & Gunnison including months of propane gas suppy!

My favourite photo is of course the last one: The photographer and her subject.
Shalom to you wherever you are. May you experience the blessings of your family and community.