From the Early 2000s: Rabbi Jason’s First Bar Mitzvah — the origin story

Last night was a truly magnificent event. I have been tutoring this boy Josh for five years in New York City, teaching him Hebrew, Jewish values, and important Jewish themes and concepts. During the past year, Josh has been preparing to become a Bar Mitzvah.

At the Michelson Studio on Bank Street in the Chelsea area of Manhattan, Josh led over two hundred guests in the Ma’ariv service and Havdalah. He also delivered a super Bar Mitzvah speech.

Josh is a seventh grader at York Prep School on New York City’s Upper West Side. He’s a great snowboarder, a video game mayven, and an all-around good kid.

In my opening remarks before Josh’s speech, I explained how my relationship with Josh began.

“I first met Josh almost five years ago. We began learning the Hebrew alphabet letter by letter, but I wasn’t sure it was going to work out. Not because of Josh, but because I’m allergic to cats and dogs, and every few minutes I’d have either a dog or a cat jumping on my lap!”

“But I seemed to manage because, as I soon realized, this would be a relationship to be treasured. Before I knew it, Josh was reading Hebrew with no problem, and a great friendship had begun. Each week, for several years, I would visit his family’s home and feel like family. Josh and I would learn about the Jewish holidays, about important values like charity and compassion to those less fortunate, and about the mitzvot – the commandments. In the past year, I’ve had the privilege of inviting Josh into my ‘home’ – at The Jewish Theological Seminary – on the Upper West Side of Manhattan. Sitting in the Seminary’s Beit Midrash – literally the ‘House of Study,’ Josh has been preparing for his Bar Mitzvah. He is now ready to be a responsible young Jewish man.”

I later taught the famous words of wisdom from Pirkei Avot attributed to Joshua ben Perachya. Aseh l’kha rav, u’kne l’kha chaver — “Select a teacher for yourself and acquire a friend.” Josh, I explained, has done both. I have become both his teacher and his friend. Josh has become my student, friend, and teacher. He is a real mensch and should be a model for other young people with learning disabilities, that when you put your mind to something, you will succeed. I am very proud of Josh’s achievements.

Mazel Tov to Josh and his entire family on this most meaningful milestone in their lives! I am grateful to have been a part of it.