Bar/Bat Mitzvah
Prayers
Sept. 2005
|
|
|
Temple Judea Religious School
Bar/Bat Mitzvah Prayers
September 2005
Cantor Melissa Adleman |
Dear Parents,
The Torah portion, Shoftim, or Judges, contains a famous passage: “Tzedek, tzedek tirdof; Righteousness, righteousness, shall you pursue.”
The root of this word, Tzadak, has produced many Hebrew terms. For instance, Tzedekah is charity, and a Tzadik, is a righteous person.
For me, a Tzadik is more than a pious man or woman, but a devoted human being. Undoubtedly, Bar/Bat Mitzvah students are righteous at their core. They are hardworking, devoted, loyal to their synagogue, and to their clergy. During months of preparation, and despite hectic public school schedules, they master the material and make their families, and themselves, very proud.
Through your children’s righteousness, I am able to serve you. Truly, as much as I inspire them, so do they inspire me. Over a few, short months, I watch with awe as they grow from girls to women, and from boys to men. I am proud to be not only their chazzanit, but their coach, their mentor, and their friend. With my gentle but firm support, they will reach their goals, and chant their Bar/Bat Mitzvah portions with pride and “polish.”
May Our Creator watch over these righteous, young people, as they embark on their rites of passage. May the words of their mouths find favor in G-d’s merciful eyes, and bring all of you much joy and peace.
B’shalom,
Cantor Melissa L. Adleman
|
|
|
