June 7, 2025
10:30 am
A Message from Rabbi Walter:
When celebrating special occasions, every people has its own toast. In Judaism, of course, that phrase is L’chayim – To Life. I think that toast grows out of Jewish law, which celebrates life as second only to God in order of priority.
In fact, all the ceremonies that mark transitions in Jewish tradition are themselves celebrations of life. Brit Milah and Brit Bat when a child enters the world; Consecration when that child reaches the age of learning; Bar and Bat Mitzvah as the child stands at the age of maturity; Chupah when he or she is ready to build a home and begin creating a family; even a funeral where the prayers are second to the eulogy where we talk about the deceased lovingly and respectfully. These events are all celebrations of life.
The Book of Psalms poses that a person has reached a full life at age 70. A beautiful custom arose in Jewish tradition that at age 83, 13 years later, a person celebrates living beyond that age by having a second Bar Mitzvah.
On Saturday morning June 7, my 83rd birthday, I will have the honor to be called to Torah for my second Bar Mitzvah in celebration of reaching this milestone in my life.
Congregation Emanu El is my faith community and has been for 55 years. The Barish Sanctuary has been my spiritual home for 55 years. Linda and I were blessed on the pulpit. All three of my children were consecrated, celebrated their Bar and Bat Mitzvah and Confirmation on the pulpit. And now, having reached the age of 83, I am celebrating having reached this milestone in my life on the pulpit.
Back in the 50s, a book studying life in the shtetl was published titled, Life is With People. Fifty years have passed, and the shtetl has disappeared. But that sentiment – that in Judaism life is about community – remains an accurate description of Jewish life today. In that vein, it would give me great pleasure to have you, my community, in the congregation to share the event with me.
Following the service, there will be an old-fashioned luncheon featuring the Sisterhood menu from ‘back in the day.’ Please note that the invitation on this page has a place for you to indicate if you intend to stay for the luncheon, so we know how many people to prepare for.
Either way, whether you stay for the luncheon or not, please join me for the service and celebration of my second Bar Mitzvah. Your presence will make the celebration even better.
Warmly,
Rabbi Roy A. Walter
