Two year’s ago the Przybisiki family celebrated their daughter Samantha’s Bat Mitzvah with a “Live, Laugh, Love” theme. They had hoped to share their son Jason’s Bar Mitzvah with Mitzvah Market this spring, however the coronavirus outbreak required them to change their plans.
Originally scheduled for March 21, 2020, Jason and his family postponed his celebration. With the help of Rabbi Cantor Shirah Sklar from Temple Shalom in Norwalk, Connecticut, they were still able to hold his Bar Mitzvah service that day in their backyard! Now they’re sharing their experience with our readers to offer ideas and inspiration to other families in the same situation.
Photo above (L-R) dad Eric, Bar Mitzvah boy Jason, sister Samantha, mom Jodi.
Below is mom Jodi’s first-hand account:
House Call From Our Rabbi Cantor Shirah Sklar
Although we had to postpone Jason’s originally planned Bar Mitzvah service and the celebration that would have followed, Rabbi Cantor Shirah Sklar agreed to come to our home so Jason could become a Bar Mitzvah on his original date. She brought a Torah, we set up a table in our backyard and we maintained social distancing requirements. To say we are proud of Jason is an understatement; he rocked his Torah portion and Haftarah! To say we are blessed is even more of an understatement. Although more than six feet apart, the warmth of our Rabbi was felt as if she was up close.
Guest List
Our 180 originally expected guests became just 4, but 4 of the most special friends we could ask for, again, keeping our distance, but so close to our hearts. Although we missed close friends and family being with us, it was a beautiful service, and we can’t thank Rabbi Cantor Shirah Sklar and our dear friends, the Penningtons, enough for their love and support in making the day so special for our family.
Additional Thoughts
Times are tough and uncertain right now, but there is always a light at the end of the tunnel and Saturday that light shone brightly on our family. We still look forward to celebrating with all of our friends and family when this is behind us, but in a dark time we found peace and meaning where it wasn’t expected. We hope others in our situation can find that as well.
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Mazel Tov to the Przybisiki family and we thank them for sharing their backyard Bar Mitzvah service with our readers!
Read about Zack’s virtual Bar Mitzvah service during the coronavirus here.
Thousands of Bar and Bat Mitzvah families are sharing information and ideas about virtual Mitzvahs, re-booking their celebrations and more in Mitzvah Market’s 17 regional Facebook groups. Join here.
