Eli, everyone is here today
for you. We love you. You are special.
We, as a community are embracing
you. We have high hopes for your growing involvement as a positively
participating member of this community.
This is, in fact, what you
have already become. You, Eli: son, brother, grandson, nephew, friend. You, who are curious about the world and ask
such good questions. You, who when you
know the answer, teach with patience and generosity. You, who read the prayers with such feeling you
brought a tear to the Rabbi’s eye. You
who laugh hard at what is funny, catch the subtleties, and can recite it all back
verbatim. You, Eli, who have worked hard to master the ski slopes, endured a
5-day bike ride through driving rain, backpack with vigor, stayed up all night
to observe egg-laying leatherback turtles, crossed the equator to study bizarre
critters in the Galapagos, learned your prayers, love your dog, do your
math. You are earnest and smart. You have a good heart.
Eli, I cherish who you are
and your friendship and companionship. Thank
you for sharing with me, with us. I see
the world’s small wonders with a greater awareness thanks to your perspective
and thoughtfulness.
Mazel tov! Happy Bar Mitzvah. I welcome you again to your community. You make us better and you have my blessing
as we make our way.
--Papa Joey Stewart
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