By: Beth Lawrence

Today was a very special day. We celebrated Simchat Thorah at our temple Holy Blossom (or as we like to call it, Holy B). On this day, many (many) generations ago, we, the Jewish people, were given the Torah. This is Marcus’ bar mitzvah year, and he is getting ready to chant his Parsha (chapter)in the Spring. We are so proud of his progress and the dedication he puts into his studies.

On Simchat Torah, Marcus’ whole class was given their own Torah, with commentary by Rabbi Plaut who I remember with great fondness. This picture shows Marcus holding an actual Torah for the first time, with his teacher Morah Daniel Abramson. We danced, we sang, we participated in the processions, had snacks and hung out with my mom. What a great community feeling. I feel quite blessed and a bit weepy too.