This Anshei Mitzvah was the largest so
far in
Temple Beth El and they studied for two yearswith Rabbi Barras to
achieve their goal.
On May 8, Rabbi Barras led the fourteen participants as they celebrated
their special event. They were Chris Bielski, Susie Ferkel, Ileane
Flores,Carolyn Gora, Barbara Gribin, Joel Hersch,Robin Jacobs, Chris
Lapidus, Karen Liberles, Claire Shapiro, SheilaSklar, Doreen
VanderWoude, Ellen Wall and Richard Wall.
Each had an inspiring story to tell for the reasonwhich led to this
achievement as an adult.
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Temple Beth El
Anshei Mitzvah
Class of 2009
Anshei Mitzvah at
the Temple
by Yvonne Schneff
I went
with three friends to Temple
the very first time for me;
To celebrate a
Bat Mitzvah for a friend who was proud as could be.
We feasted,
laughed and drank wine Excitement filled the air.
My friend was led to
the service
which for two years she had to prepare.
Someone handed
out prayer books.
I really was
confused.
We read from the
back to front
With this I was
certainly amused.
My hand moved over the pages
As the words I lovingly
read.
I was familiar with all the scripture.
I knew exactly what they
said.
(continued)
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But what was this
feeling
that welled up
As my eyes raced
round the
room?
My heart pounded in beat to the music.
But a very strange
feeling
did loom.
There was a sense
of pride
and contentment
and a feeling of being
“at rest”,
I took pleasure in
everything
done there;
There was a lot I
had to digest.
The young and the
old men
intrigued me,
I’m
afraid that I
have to confess
So handsome they
were in
their yarmulkas
My feelings I
struggled to assess.
As a Christian
this really
confused me
That my heart
could be so at
rest.
I reached my
deepest roots.
I had been on a
spiritual quest.
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