Ari,
We are so proud of you today!
Rosh Hashana holds special meaning for our family. You were born on this Hebrew date 13 years ago, just a few of days before the holiday. You announced yourself in a very Ari way—overcoming what seemed impossible. You came into the world with a collapsed lung and were whisked off to the NICU in the middle of the night. But you were out by Rosh Hashana. A Rosh Hashana miracle. That makes this holiday even more meaningful for our family.
And speaking of special occasions, you’re also Rabbi ben Gideon’s first Bar Mitzvah at Habonim.
The Rabbi has led hundreds of Bar Mitzvahs. A few weeks ago, he asked you, “When you started your Bar Mitzvah preparation a year and half ago, did you believe you would be able to accomplish so much?” He wasn’t expecting your answer of “Yes. Yes I did.”
For most kids, it’s simply a test of “Can I read all that Hebrew and get through it?” But that’s not you. You had that part well in hand.
For you, this Bar Mitzvah represents something deeper. You’ve always felt at home here at Habonim. When you were a toddler, you tried to climb into the ark. Dad and I remember at least two distinct times. Now it is your time to step forward not just as someone who can fulfill the requirements of a Bar Mitzvah, but as a true leader. Not a child leader, helping run the service—but as a real leader ready to take your place in our community and in the world.
Leadership came to you early in life. Before you had words, you found other ways to communicate—including turning blue and passing out when you didn’t get what you wanted. You’ve never been shy about expressing what you believe in, Ari.
Today, we give you the traditional blessing to be like Efrayim and Menasheh. They were sons of Joseph and leaders of tribes. So what’s the big deal with these two brothers? Why does every Jewish parent want their son to grow up like them.
The Rabbis say they were the first brothers in the Bible who worked together instead of fighting with each other. They weren’t like Jacob and Esau or Isaac and Ishmael. They are partners who represent both sides of a true leader.
Ephraim represents strategic and visionary leadership—his tribe produced Joshua, who led the people into the Promised Land.
And then you have Menasheh. He represents collaboration—his tribe was the only one split in two, half living on one side of the Jordan River, half on the other, but they were still connected.
Together they represent the kind of person you are. Someone who stays true to their principles no matter where life takes him. Someone who lifts others up instead of pushing them down. Someone who uses his natural leadership not to get his way, but to make the world a little bit better.
So today, on your Bar Mitzvah, we offer you this blessing:
May God bless you as God blessed Efrayim and Menasheh—with wisdom to know your place in the world, strength to stay true to your values, and the grace to lead with kindness.
May God bless you and keep you. May God cause his spirit to shine upon you and be gracious unto you. May God turn his spirit unto you and grant you peace.
יְשִׂימְךָ אֱלֹהיִם כְּאֶפְרַיְם וְכִמְנַשֶּׁה
Yesimcha Elohim k’Ephraim v’chi-Menashe.
יְבָרֶכְךָ יְהוָה וְיִשְׁמְרֶךָ
Yivarechecha Adonai v’yishmerecha
יָאֵר יְהוָה פָּנָיו אֵלֶיךָ וִיחֻנֶּךָּ
Ya’er Adonai panav eilecha vichuneka
יִשָּׂא יְהוָה פָּנָיו אֵלֶיךָ וְיָשֵׂם לְךָ שָׁלום
Yisa Adonai panav eilecha v’yasem lecha shalom
Ari, we are so proud of the young man you’ve become, and we can’t wait to see the leader you’ll continue to grow into. Mazel tov!