Upon arrival at this new venue there was meet & greet by Rabbi Anna & Josh who was looking smart in a two-piece blue suit, crisp white shirt, blue tie and wearing a blue kippah embroidered with ‘Josh’. His proud grandmother was also showing guests to their seats. There must have been at least eighty people in the congregation, making this a wonderful opportunity for so many community members to come together.
There were small bags of sweets on the chairs; to throw at Josh, this tradition is a symbol for the sweet life we wish for the young man.
The Shabbat service was initially led by Rabbi Anna, with her friend Rabbi Sandra Kviat (Denmark’s first female Rabbi, and on the rabbinic team for Crouch End Chavurah & The Montagu Centre), leading the Torah service. This included Josh’s excellent reading of the Torah [Leviticus] and his D’var Torah. Josh explained his Barmitzvah project of helping at an animal sanctuary, he said when dealing with animals it is better to praise them, than be harsh and the same when dealing with people.
The procession of Josh carrying the Torah around the hall whilst sweets were thrown at him was a joyful occasion with many circuits of the hall and gangway. Afterwards he was lifted in a chair supported by four male friends and family and was carried around with congregants dancing around him in a circle, creating a sense of unity and togetherness. As it progressed the circle grew as more congregants joined.
Kiddush had the largest, shiniest challahs imaginable which were very tasty. The buffet tables were groaning under the weight of sandwiches, pastries, macaroons and soft drink.
