the human struggle for peace. You cant control your kids. And shes celebrating. If you're hung up, don't keep trying to think of that all-important first line yourself when there's so much great material out . Bowling Party Games. So mazel tov and hats off to you!, Its so much fun to congratulate a bat mitzvah as smart and talented as you! I went to 35 bar mitzvahs before I went to a single quinceanera. I mentioned I still needed to write what I was going to say during the service. It is first used with reference to Jacob, whose name is changed to Israel (Genesis 32:29), the one who struggles with God. In modern times, the event has been enhanced with a celebration. Tradition relates Youve always been opinionated; youve always had a voice. First line:The days come and go. You can love them and teach them, but thats bout it. I still do. We ask ourselves, have we truly prepared them for this? First line: May everyone who shares in a Jewish life feel welcome and integrated. At the age of thirteen for a boy and twelve for a girl, s/he obtains the age of Jewish majority and is obligated to all the commandments. At PoemSearcher.com find thousands of poems categorized into thousands of categories. There had only been two or three ever at our synagogue. And in addition to fine renderings of all of the prayers one would expect from any good siddur, it also contains prayers and liturgies which aren't in the average Jewish prayerbook -- blessings for discovering one's sexual orientation, prayers for Transgender Day of Remembrance, and so on. First line: I thank you for this wondrous gift of life. Last line: Out of these laws will be built the Declaration of Independence that, in turn, will make the world free, democratic, safe, creative. The message ideas below are divided by theme, but you can mix and match to come up with the words that feel just right for you to send. Last line:Just take off your coat and go to it. calling me to affirm not only the dignity of self His relatable poem first published in 1919 is adorable and motivating. Theres no right way to do this spiritual journey of life, but this templethe amazing leadership that has been here for you with Rabbi Cari, Rabbi Rim and Beth, your amazing Hebrew school friends, our special experiences at Mayyim Hayiim, your own depth and curiositythese will all guide you well. No miracles were wanted or needed For this vaccine And for that we are grateful. You'll probably feel a little (read: a LOT) nervous before you speak, that's normal. May you continue to grow in wisdom and faith from this day on., Wishing you a great time celebrating your bar mitzvahI hope its a day youll always look back on with pride and happiness., So proud of the dedicated way youve prepared for this day. And shes like, no, you still have chores, but youre a man. But even in those moments, when Ive wished that your perception of the world wasnt so astute and acute, I celebrate you and applaud you. According to the Torah, God, in the presence of the Jewish people, gave Moses the Torah on Mount Sinai (Har Sinai). First line:If there is one area that identifies and unites Jews, no matter what their personal beliefs and practices, it is Tzedakah. Last line: As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others. 69.16.194.131. - Rita Losch Remembering the Bar / Bat Mitzvah Problem Today I am a man. But go with your gutif congratulations feels more you, then go with that. This past Monday night, the four of uswere sitting down for dinner and we were chatting about the bat mitzvah. that comes to me this day. Though you take on the stature of adulthood,its responsibilities, powers, doubts, alleged wisdom,you will always be a child deep inside,wandering, seeking, finding, losing, finding, loving. June 14, 2017, 10:30 AM. Give to me good guarantors that will guard it, and I shall give it to you. Last line: God said: They are certainly good guarantors. For The Fun of It. (Levush O.Ch. While bar and bat mitzvah are often used to refer to the ceremony, the terms also refer to the child. Whether its your dance, your writing, your YouTube channel idea, anything. This notion of remembering Judaisms foundations and meaningful traditions are the driving forces behind JewBelong. Hey, can you watch the phones on Friday? Paralegals. You do a lot of things really well, but I ask you to hold those high expectations inonehand, and in theotherI want you to hold an equal, if not more, amount of self-compassion. Ruby said: Seriously, Mom, the bat mitzvah isthisSaturday and you havent written a thing!. I just want you to know that your vulnerability, you being real, is very, very powerful. Astronaut Party Games. The challenge is one of both freedom and responsibility, Sadly, both inner struggles and external setbacks are an una Find just the right words to tell dad just how much you appreciate him even if you cannot be together this Father's Day. Coming of age in the Jewish faith is meant to be a joyful celebration: An adolescent is finally considered an adult in Judaism, and is . All rights reserved. While putting this reading into JewBelong, I was like, Hey, I know Shelley! I just never knew this attorney with three sons from Florida was also a poet! First Birthday Party Games and Activities. They think its such a delicate art form and yet nothing could be farther from the truth. While watching a family friend read from two Torahs at his Zoom bar mitzvah on April 12, Aviva Preminger, who lives on the Upper East Side, saw that her son Nathan Hiltzik looked "crushed" at . Often the hardest part of writing a speech for your child's bar/bat mitzvah is getting started. I can do bar mitzvahs and weddings. ~ Ellie Goulding, I was one of those kids who had books on them. Everyone can use a little encouragement now and then. The Torah is considered the heart and soul of the Jewish people, and study of the Torah is a high mitzvah. May you live to see your world fulfilled, May you be our link to future worlds, and may your hope encompass all the generations to be. Because if they didnt, then the book would be hidden inside some pocket or other and as soon as whatever it was got under way Id be found in a corner. This is what I most wanted Ruby to know on her bat mitzvahand its really what I want all women to know. Her mitzvotLit. First line:Many of you have made the historic and unprecedented decision to raise Jewish children. to lift up the fallen, free the captive, embrace the lost Amen Love Your Neighbor: A Blessing on Receiving the COVID-19 Vaccine by Rabbi Ahuvah (Amy) Loewenthal And as for the child who is up to reading it that's great. Traditionally on this day you wear a Tallit for the first time. The Five Books of Moses, and the foundation of all of Jewish life and lore. and its Grace your grace. Even Mai Thi looked at me with narrowed eyes and said, I know your home. Which sounded pretty ominous. ~ Gary D. Schmidt, Posing on the red carpet feels like youre selling something that has nothing to do with you. First line: I wish for you to be a person of character. God bless you and guide you today and always., Today you follow in the footsteps of so many generations who came before youand step into a future made brighter by your love for your faith, your family and your community., Blessings on you as you celebrate your bat mitzvah., Hoping you learned lessons that will always stay with you as you studied and prepared for your bar mitzvah. There's great value. Your email address will not be published. Spiritual Teacher/Spiritual Seeker. This reading is often recited at baby namings, Bar/Bat Mitzvahs, etc. These best bat mitzvah gifts strike just the right note, whether you're seeking a religious object (like a kiddush cup, Torah pointer, or Shabbat candlesticks), a decorative piece of Judaica (like . I just loved his little face. quotesgram.com. I mean, whoever would think they can rebrand Judaism anyway? Bar Mitzvah Inspiration How quickly they grew up: they're blossoming right before our eyes. Get . Though you take on the stature of adulthood, its responsibilities, powers, doubts, alleged wisdom, you will always be a child deep inside, wandering, seeking, finding, losing, finding, loving. My dear little, big, powerful, fierce and beautiful girl. It is first used with reference to Jacob, whose name is changed to Israel (Genesis 32:29), the one who struggles with God. Beautiful lesson, beautiful reading. Sometimes "Torah" is used as a colloquial term for Jewish learning and narrative in general. And usually, wed just end up hanging out together alone. ~ Seth Rogen, There were lots of little boys having their bar mitzvahs all over the world, and they sent me tapes of some of them that they interviewed probably six or seven little boys, and there was something about Mendel. My aunt Mindy just had her bat mitzvah on top of Masadah and said it was incredible to celebrate this special occasion in the holy land. Bases Covered.I've got a Bobble Head Buddha That nods on the dash Some guy named Gideon Whose Bible rides in the back Rainbow covered Rosary beads Hang from my mirror with ease I've got all the . According to the Magen Avraham, it is about the father not being . I'm a man, I hope. First line: May a kind word, reassuring touch, and a warm smile be yours every day of your life, and may you give these gifts as well as receive them. He said, Hey guys, if you work hard and be successful, youll get one of these. Ill never forget that. Were available for weddings and Bar Mitzvahs! First line:Your Children are not your children. Theres something very cool that you embody, which is a powerful femininity and a fierce strength, and I want to champion and support you in having both. They were daughters of wealthy, elite families that threw expensive parties. Sam Keen. Truth was revealed to us Why isnt there a blessing for that person who is not Jewish but participating in a Jewish home/life! Its one way of embracing their new adult status and doing some real good with it. Upon my bat mitzvah, some 30 odd years before Orli's, he sent me a letter: Now that I was coming of age in the Jewish community, he offered the words Moses says to Joshua as he assumes the . It is also said that its blast will herald the coming of the messiah.. Our sages said: Whatever a faithful student May the Torahs teachings continue to guide you and bring you happiness throughout your life., Congratulations on your bat mitzvah! When you write a personal message in your card to the bar or bat mitzvah, youre adding to the joy and significance of their big day. You could say that he is America's greatest author and humorist. If youre related to the recipient of your bar mitzvah or bat mitzvah card, youll want to write them a more heartfelt and personal message. And there is! Israel means many things. Whenever we listen and hear, 9 Fun Luau Party Games for Kids. Get JewishBoston This Week. He was known for his sensitivity and openness, and often received letters from young people in need of connection or hope. When you address wedding invitations or another piece of formal correspondence, traditional etiquet Get special ideas for what to write this year during tough times. to ascend the heights of Sinai within. Of the inspiration and efficiency, The hard work and creativity, And the accumulation of knowledge and science That brings us to this moment. The name also refers to the land of Israel and the State of Israel. Required fields are marked *. Shes a mother of two and a wife of one, and resides in Cleveland, Ohio. In many communities both bar and bat mitzvah are celebrated at age 13. Whenever we stand humbled by Eternity The effort makes me think that perhaps G-d doesn't want me to do it. The Army-McCarthy hearings were televised. 1. In many communities both bar and bat mitzvah are celebrated at age 13. Warm compliments and pride are good themes to include. May this covenant bring peace and healing If you do it with someone else, its like were saying, Oh! His Hebrew name isMoshe. quotesgram.com. In Hebrew, each letter has a number. Okay, being that we get furious when UBER says its still 2 minutes away, its sobering to remember that Anne Frank wrote this while she was hiding from Nazis. Celebrating you today and looking forward to watching your life unfold in amazing ways., If ever a bar mitzvah deserved a great party, its you! If you think the part asking people to hold hands wont fly with your group, just edit out the second line. | ), This day is so meaningful, and youve worked so hard for it. And luckily, you dont have to have a rabbis understanding of the occasion to write something thats both honoring and meaningful. May the words of Torah be pleasant in our mouths. "The pain you feel today is the strength you feel tomorrow. Thanks for including me in your big day!. Maybe the only thing you know about bar mitzvahs and bat mitzvahs is that people sit in chairs and get lifted into the air, or maybe you have fond memories of your own ceremony and party. Last line: With all our hearts, we want to thank you for your love and willingness in giving the ultimate gift to the Jewish people. I could talk all day about my culture and what it means to me. ~ America Ferrera, People need what they think of as a poem to be read at their bar mitzvah, their wedding, a funeral, whatever. commit us to justice. Stay tuned for occasional emails about all things Jewish. It was like being a local rock star in Detroit. ~ James Wolk, My parents were Orthodox Jews but not very regular Orthodox Jews. 6 - Mar. When you arent super-close to the one celebrating the bar mitzvah or bat mitzvah, a simple congratulations, friendly compliment, or wish for the day/future will do the trick. Torah is the voice of Sinai speaking to Last line: May you always feel loved. This is quite a crew, right? We have a thing. May we be moved to exclaim the mystery of Life I constantly worry about my financial future. We used this reading at our own simchas (Hebrew for celebrations) and we know youll love it, too. But God was hardly ever mentioned in my family. Celebrate this extremely important and joyous milestone with unique, personalized bar and bat mitzvah invitations. As part of the ceremony, I spoke what was in my heart and mind to Ruby on this special day. v. 9/18/2018 My Bar/Bat Mitzvah at Temple Isaiah Version 3.0 Inspiration: May it be Your will, our God and God of our ancestors, that You lead us in peace and help us reach Not only are these occasions inspiring to see and fun to take part intheyre also a very big deal in the life of a person of the Jewish faith. Becoming a bar mitzvah (son of the commandment) or bat mitzvah (daughter of the commandment) and being recognized as a full-fledged adult member of the Jewish community, is an awesome rite of passage in a Jewish childs life and we can help you find the right bar mitzvah card message or bat mitzvah card message to make them feel special. Torah is divided into 54 portions for weekly reading in synagogue. Members of the boy's family are also called up to the reading of the Torah, and a special sermon is frequently delivered by the rabbi, stressing the boy's new responsibilities and privileges. Last line:Your presence here makes us stronger and wiser. I said no, I havent written anything because theres really only ONE thing I want to say to you on your bat mitzvah day. 5783 This week's Torah reading is Tetzaveh Upcoming holiday is Purim | Mar. To walk this world as a powerful woman, we need support; we need community. Helpful tip: Joking about gifts and celebrating is one thing. And if you are so inclined, follow Anne Lamott on Instagram too. The second thingI want to give you is actually something youve already claimed formally for yourself today, and that is your identity as a bat mitzvaha daughter of the commandmentsa woman with a Jewish heritage and Jewish identity. Of course, a bar/bat mitzvah has a spiritual significance that graduations dont have. with mitzvot, the Way of Harmony, Justice and Compassion. Close the Torah and hold both handles while reciting the blessing. You might choose to highlight all the hard work and schvitzing (sweating) with a message of pride or with a compliment for the bar/bat mitzvah. Bring this unique gragger to the Megillah reading and wow your friends and family in thematic Purim style! Way to show what youre made of!, I hope you feel proud of yourself as you wear the tallit and read from the Torah. It was over when I was done. ~ Andy Kindler, Before I published my first book, I worked for a while as a documentary and wedding/bar mitzvah videographer, and a part of me still mourns the lost filmmaker Ill never be. At 3, you cant make those choices I supported my family, and if I got fired or missed an audition, Id be punished as if Id messed up in school. He had his girlfriend at the time with him, that Melania with him. I was starved, because they wanted to keep my weight at a certain place; my hair was bleached that was my life. Enjoy it! Last line: Anything can happen child, anything can be. It was my daughters bat mitzvah last week. Have a great day! Its a cliche for a reason kids really do grow up too damn fast. Dont get me wrong I can imitate singers. I can only compare it to my Bar Mitzvah. ~ Shia LaBeouf, There was a year straight where every weekend, I went to at least one bar mitzvah or bat mitzvah, and we would all go, and it was a lot of fun. Its short, and beautiful. The God-game is hide-and-seek. What a wonderful way to honor your rich heritage and celebrate your faith., Today you begin your journey into womanhoodbut somehow you still have a 10 p.m. curfew. It is traditionally held that there are 613 mitzvot (plural) in Judaism, both postive commandments (mandating actions) and negative commandments (prohibiting actions). monthly budget of middle class family. (Im so proud of you, I had to say both. Before weddings, Bar Mitzvahs, funerals, and anything else where youre actually meant to not be reading, my family would frisk me and take the book away. Sam Keen 123 Author: Sam Keen. She is the founder ofNinaManolson.comandNourishedWomanNation.com. inspirational readings for bat mitzvah ***** Happy Bar/Bat Mitzvah! So what should you write in your bar and bat mitvah invite card? And Im like, does that mean I have no chores? "A Bar Mitzvah is the time in his life when a Jewish boy realizes he has a better chance of owning a team than playing for one" - Jerry Reinsdorf. High Holidays Booklet - Just Print Copies! And the cool thing is, you get to explore and discover what deeply enriches you, what lights you up and what connects you to your unique definition of God, Spirit, Shechina,Adonai. I hope I've had my artistic bar mitzvah somewhere" - Jeremy Piven (Ari Gold everybody!) We search for words. Torah is a guide, a voice, I hope you find it valuable and inspiring too! And I happened to open it to a page which contained two poems / prayers for b'nei mitzvah, exactly the kind of thing I'd been looking for. Best Balloon Delivery Services. Last line: I am so proud of you!. The name also refers to the land of Israel and the State of Israel. He's welcomed to anybody's bar mitzvah. Thats what I remembered. This week on Ask Yael Friday, Yael answers: Should I rollover a defined benefit pension plan from a previous employer into an IRA? ), With money/gift card enclosed: For all that extra wisdom youve stored away in your heartheres a little extra cash for your pocket. The person who receives the aliyah goes up to the bimah before the reading and recites a blessing for reading of the Torah. Its also a song. I want you to be kind with yourself. Soeven though it feels a bit vulnerable because these are my personal words to my daughter, here they are. This episode is sponsored by Toveedo. helpful non helpful. This post has been contributed by a third party. It takes huge strength, hard work and a tenacity to be a ballet dancer. Last line: Im standing on the shoulders of the ones who came before me. The Torah itself a scroll that is hand lettered on parchment, elaborately dressed and decorated, and stored in a decorative ark. Bat mitzvah is Hebrew for "daughter of commandment." When a Jewish girl turns 12, she has all the rights and obligations of a Jewish adult, including the commandments of the Torah. and bring you peace. First line:Here with you our friends, we feel so greatly blessed. It is traditionally held that there are 613 mitzvot (plural) in Judaism, both postive commandments (mandating actions) and negative commandments (prohibiting actions). But Im still so happy for you! At age 12 for a girl or 13 for a boy, the obligations of a Jewish adult are assumed. If you chose to learn more, you will be taken to a website not affiliated with American Greetings. We are almost afraid to let them go. Take a deep breath (or two) before you speak. There is diligent study and preparation involved, and thats worthy of a callout. The last thing I want to offer you today has always been yours and will always be yoursand thats me. The ceremony follows a similar pattern to the Bar Mitzvah and happens around a girl's 12th birthday. A beautiful card design and thoughtfully-written invite will inspire all guests and get them excited for the event. this,too, is Torah. Shelley Miller became a bat mitzvah in 1966. 6 - Mar. First line: Listen to the mustnts, child, listen to the donts. We had the most wonderful celebration and deep, heartfelt ritual! Just take a moment and look out. I understand that. ~ Joan Larkin, I was 13 or 14 and I met Donald Trump at a bar mitzvah of a good friend of ours, whos friends with him. So this appears like Im Jewish, but these rituals are connected to what I describe as the Tree of Life consciousness and have more to do with the idea of being an Israelite, not Jewish. ~ Madonna Ciccone, I saw the most frightening, most depressing sight I had ever seen a row of stores with Stars of David and the word Jude painted on them, and inside, behind half-empty counters, people in a daze, cringing like they didnt know what hit them and didnt know where the next blow would come from. The plural of bat mitzvah is b'not mitzvah. I hadnt been so wholly conscious of being a Jew since my bar mitzvahs, and it was the first time since Id had the measles that I was too sick to eat. ~ Harpo Marx, Steven Spielbergs mother, who said to E.T., I dont care where youre from, youre here and youre gonna get bar mitzvahed! A short mazel tov message by itself works well for a recipient you dont know as well, but you could also use it to round out a longer message. At the time, Jewish girls couldn't read from the Torah the first five books of the Hebrew bible the way boys did during their coming-of-age ceremony, so she read three prayers chosen for her instead. Heres to lasting love! Most girls could not afford to follow that tradition. May your heart conceive with understanding, may your mouth speak wisdom and your tongue be stirred with sounds of joy. These speeches from my bar mitzvaha mix of both funny and sinceremight give you some inspiration for your own bar mitzvah speech. His Hebrew name isMoshe. Get the best Jewish events delivered to your inbox every Thursday with JewishBoston This Week. Last line: Blessed is the way of life that makes parent rejoice with child. It is chanted aloud on Mondays, Thursdays, and Shabbat, according to a yearly cycle. receive and transmit; we stand at Sinai. to receive the TorahThe Five Books of Moses, and the foundation of all of Jewish life and lore. An aliyah (Hebrew , or aliya and other variant English spellings) is the calling of a member of a Jewish congregation up to the bimah for a segment of the formal Torah reading.. Its kind of like last night at Shabbat services, when the rabbiasked you and your tribe to come up to light the candles, and there you were with 20 people standing by you and behind you. Read more. I felt very American. David Gregory from CNN, NBC, MSNBC, etc. So, with much appreciation to my kids for structuring my speech, thats exactly what Im going to do. . And thats because when you are vulnerablewhen you let life in and really let it touch you at your core,and you let your self, your authentic self, out, in all of its realnessits exquisite. . In this insane world that changes so quickly, it is grounding to remember where, and more importantly, who we came from. Last line:Perhaps you will find them gradually, without noticing it, and live along some distant day into the answer. We love to write about our experiences to motivate and inspire the lives of people we touch. Its an important step in your faith and a big accomplishment, too. Lit. The Myth of Chabad Outreach. Lit. Have we done enough to prepare them? Once a week. Her teachings move us to compassion. Yet you take with you the love and hope of past years. Readings for B'nai Mitzvah by Rabbi Rami Shapiro Tradition relates that when Israel gathered at Mount Sinai to receive the Torah, Truth was revealed to us amidst much lightning and great claps of thunder. He died in 1204 and was one of the greatest Jewish scholars of all time. Wording for a Bar Mitzvah invitation or a Bat Mitzvah invitation must include the basic details of the celebration. . I kind of ran the gamut of infantile behavior And I havent moved one step forward since. ~ Seth Rogen, Becoming an actor wasnt a choice it was something I was forced into. During her. Bat Mitzvah Inspiration. Here are some bat mitzvah ideas and bar mitzvah ideas to keep everyone happy: Set up a photo booth or photo wall - A photo station can be a wonderful way to create some fun memories and keepsakes. When 1:55 came and the other half of the class left, Meryl Lee whispered, If she gives you one after we leave, Im going to do Number 408 to you. I didnt remember what Number 408 was, but it was probably pretty close to what Danny Hupfer had promised. These students of the faith put in a lot of hard work preparing for a special Shabbat service at their synagogue, in which they read aloud from the Torah and sometimes lead prayers or chants, too. (Courtesy of ) establish mitzvot for your life. Subscribe for the latest rituals, online learning opportunities, and unique Judaica finds from our store. Should I just stick to my other services? Thanksgiving Haggadah/Booklet - Just Print Copies! You have a whole spiritual journey ahead of you. At the very least, once a year at the childs birthday. Mazel tov!. No one knows what the hell youre doing. ~ Trevor Noah, [I had Bar mitzvah ]it was just me and my mom. Special Readings for Bar and Bat Mitzvah Celebrations Jewish Readings On Sacred Space On Gathering in a Sanctuary A sanctuary is a place of refuge; We seek to escape from everyday And find something out of the ordinary. Last line:May true be the hearts that love you. So I now hand you the Torah as a symbol At this time of Bar/Bat MitzvahLit. Wherever we gather to seek Wisdom; to all who know me, Every womanyoung or old, Jewish or notneeds to hear those words.. Nina Manolson, MA, CHC, is a certified health coach and psychology of eating coach. AmericanGreetings.com is a service of American Greetings Corporation, Copyright 2023 AGC,LLC. So, we decided we needed to have a blessing for our friends and community. Inspiration Bat Mitzvah Musings. Israel means many things. Anyway, the point of all this is that this relevant blessing is in his book and you are gonna love it! Express your gratitude with these thank you messages and ideas from Hallmark card writers. Im a man, I hope. I read the Bible when I was 12 while studying for my bar mitzvah. not telling cause it is social media on January 07, 2019: Because someday Jack is going to get off his ass and pop the question and youre going to get to plan that wedding you've been thinking about since third grade. Join Black, Queer Jewish artist Ayeola Omolara Kaplan for a deep dive into creating artwork informed by Jewish social justice work. In society's eyes and in the eyes of the Jewish religion you go from being a much-loved boy to a much-loved man. And so many have asked: what exactly will my daughter be . It is chanted aloud on Mondays, Thursdays, and Shabbat, according to a yearly cycle. May its Face be your face Bar and bat mitzvah mean, literally, "son and daughter of the commandment." Bat mitzvah is Hebrew, while bar mitzvah, historically a much earlier ceremony, is Aramaic. The plural of bar mitzvah is b'nei mitzvah. I just had the immense and surreal pleasure of celebrating my first baby becoming a bat mitzvah. It's inspiring to think of you taking your place in your faith community and carrying on such an enduring tradition." First line: Give your children unconditional love, a love that is not dependent on report cards, clean hands, or popularity. Warm compliments and pride are good themes to include. And You Shall Bind Them as a Sign: A Creation Kavannah for Wrapping Tefillin Straps, Working Parent Ritual for Beginning and Ending the Work Day, by Adva Chattler, Hila Ratzabi, & Cyd Weissman, Overnight summer camp and teen Israel experience, Reconstructionist Educators of North America. First line: Dearest one, I wish you the strength to face challenges with confidence along with the wisdom to choose your battles carefully. Fairy Party Games. Last line:We, ourselves, by our own volition, choose our own way. Karzen, 81, has performed thousands of bar and bat mitzvahs (an average of 100 per year) over the last 30 years. First line:Thirty years ago my older brother, who was ten years old at the time, was trying to get a report on birds written that hed had 3 months to write. I know I'll be turning and returning to it often. 44 Bat mitzvah Poems ranked in order of popularity and relevancy. Id seen it all before I ever walked into a recording studio. ~, Allowing yourself to stop reading a book at page 25, 50, or even, less frequently, a few chapters from the end is a rite of passage in a readers life, the literary equivalent of a bar mitzvah or a communion, the moment at which you look at yourself and announce: Today I am an adult.