While I’m two days removed from my children’s B’nai Mitzvah, I’m still in a deep haze. The fog needs to lift before I can write about the event and how special Saturday was to my family and me.
Though I’m not ready to reflect about the event, I do want to share the blessing that my wife and I wrote and read to my daughter during the service. We read the blessing after she completed reading her Torah portion. Reading from Torah marks the moment when a Jewish child becomes Bar/Bat Mitzvah. The blessing is a way for parents to send a child to adulthood.
Maddie:
Maddie, we are so very proud of you for all you have done to prepare for this day and for every day of your life so far:
May your enthusiasm for learning continue throughout your life and bring you joy and fulfillment.
May your kindness serve as an example to those around you.
May you be proud of your accomplishments and wiser for your failures.
May you know that there is a people, a rich heritage, to which you belong, but that you are also connected to all who dwell on earth.
May you be blessed with patience and understanding, with wisdom and compassion, in your heart and in your deeds.
May you have the strength to contain conflict and seek justice when it is due.
May your faith be something not inherited, but discovered.
May you keep your feet firmly planted in your values and your family, but may you always defy gravity.
iamcurious4 
Such a beautiful blessing!
LikeLike
I love this….the compassion, justice and kindness that you desire for your sweet strong girl. Congratulations…xo nanc
LikeLiked by 1 person
What a gorgeous blessing! Congratulations to you and your family; I hope Maddie treasures these words now, and again, and again!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Wonderful! My niece and nephew had a Bnai Mitzvah and it was wonderful to have both together. Enjoy your return to real life in Spring!
LikeLike
Beautiful, indeed! I may hang this to read as I hope to do all you hope for Maddie. Thanks so much for sharing.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Beautiful. I’m sure that is something she will cherish for her life.
LikeLiked by 1 person
What a beautiful blessing to commemorate a special event. Thank you.
LikeLike
Beautiful! I particularly love May your faith be something not inherited, but discovered. So important!
LikeLike
What an amazing experience for your children and for you and your wife. These are moments that mark a huge transition, a new step that they have been practicing for. Your blessing will be something strong to hold on to as they walk forward. Mazel Tov!
LikeLike
Love the last line about gravity! Thank you for sharing this.
LikeLike