Archive for the ‘bar mitzvah’ Category
The Power of Joy
Sunday, August 9th, 2009
“My friend just sent me this link,” I told Harrison and Olivia. “It’s supposed to be really fun.”
As I pulled up the youtube video, they stopped me before I clicked play.
“Oh, yeah!” They said. “Dad showed it to us!”
I read the caption. At 17 million views, I can see how the odds were that they had, indeed, seen it. But I hadn’t, so I clicked on.
Within moments I was dancing in my chair with the wedding party. Soon tears welled in my eyes, and I noticed I had a huge smile on my face. The unadulterated joy of the wedding party was captivating. It reminded me when millions of us fell in love with “Where the Hell is Matt?”, as he danced with people across the globe. It just feels SO GOOD to feel the joy in these videos. It made me realize that, despite news of layoffs, real estate market woes and financial stress, it pales in comparison to the power of spreading joy. (more…)
Tags: inspiration
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A video from my son
Wednesday, July 15th, 2009
What can I say? I just can’t give up this blog. While The New Jew Blog focuses on all things related to interfaith nuances and conversion, this blog is about, well, life! And, as we all know, life is in the moments.
One of those moments is still with me. Last May had many a momentous occasion – Harrison’s bar mitzvah and my book publishing among them. Yet, there is one day that stands out amongst those: Mother’s Day. Harrison and Olivia always pull out the stops, and it never fails to leave me thinking, “What did I do to deserve such thoughtfulness? Olivia made me an incredible diorama of my love for the country and cattle drives. Harrison expressed himself through his recent love of filmmaking. Check out what he made for me.
Tags: conversion, interfaith
Posted in Jewish video, bar mitzvah, conversion | 4 Comments »
Coffee in Manhattan
Thursday, June 4th, 2009
It is 8am and the streets of Manhattan are whirring on this rainy morning. I’m sitting on the edge of a sofa bed in my friend’s Upper West Side apartment, sipping strong coffee, half-dressed for today’s luncheon, which will be followed by dinner, followed by a book signing, followed by drinks with friends. Was it just four days ago that I was at the bar mitzvah brunch?
I knew that Saturday, May 30th would be magical. What I didn’t know is that it would transformational. During the week beforehand, all odds were against hit. Harrison was hit with strep throat on Wednesday, and Olivia and I spent Thursday night in the ER for an injured finger. Guests were arriving, place cards had to be made, and there were many details to take care of. (more…)
Tags: Add new tag, bar mitzvah, book tour, Manhattan
Posted in Blog, Manhattan, bar mitzvah, book tours, srok friedes | No Comments »
Countdown
Tuesday, May 26th, 2009
Saturday marked one week before Harrison’s bar mitzvah. There was much to do – finalizing decorations, organizing airport transportation, helping Harrison with his preparations, creating gift bags, and much more. Its a lot to think about – in addition to working, enrolling in my next round of graduate school classes, and planning my first New York book event tour that will take place days after the bar mitzvah.
It might be surprising, then, to hear me say that it was perfect that my brother and his family were visiting this weekend. (more…)
Tags: bar mitzvah, family meals, mothers
Posted in Blog, bar mitzvah | 2 Comments »