Bar Mitzvah Speech of Sam Podolsky
September 24, 2011 | Chabad of Port Washington
Welcome and Shabbat Shalom. Thank you all for coming and sharing this special day with me – the day I become a Bar Mitzvah.
My Torah portion is Nitzavim-Vayelech. The Parshah of Nitzavim includes some of the most fundamental principles of the Jewish faith. It talks about the unity of Israel, future redemption, freedom of choice and the practicality of the Torah. It is this last principal – the practicality of the Torah – that stands out to me. What I have learned from my years here at Chabad of Port Washington, is that the Torah is not some far-off ideal that is beyond our reach. Rather, it is something down here on earth – that we all can relate to in our day-to-day lives.
The Parsha of Vayelech – which means “And He Went,” talks about the events that took place on Moses’ last day on earth. Saying that he can no longer go on, Moses transfers his leadership to Joshua. And he finishes writing the Torah in a scroll that he gives to the Levites for safekeeping in the Ark of the Covenant.
There is a prediction at the end of Vayelech, that says the people of Israel will turn away from their covenant with G‑d, causing Him to hide his face from them. But there is also the promise that the words of the Torah will not be forgotten out of the mouths of their decendants. Clearly, this is true. I stand before you today delivering some of these words. Generations before me have done the same, and I am sure that many generations after me will remember the Torah as well.
Becoming a Bar Mitzvah doesn’t only mean I am becoming an adult in the Jewish religion. It also means that I am taking on the responsibilities of the Torah. Preparing for my Bar Mitzvah, such as studying, putting on tefillin and writing this speech has been meaningful to me, and I have learned so much from it. Also, becoming a Bar Mitzvah has helped me strengthen my relationship with Hashem and the Torah. It has also brought me closer to my family, who were involved in my studies and have helped bring me to this day. I also found that my heritage is very important to me. I hope one day to pass along my knowledge of Judaism to my future children.
I would like to thank Rabbi Weinberg for helping me prepare for my special day. I thank my parents for being there for me all my life. A special shout-out to my sister who like 75% of the time is annoying, but is pretty chill the other 25%. I think she might say the same thing about me. I would like to thank my grandmother and grandfather, aunt and uncle and my two cousins, all of whom came from Florida to share this special day with me. I want to thank Cousins Lori and Phil, for making all the Jewish holidays so much more special for me and my family. Lori, you make the best matzo ball soup ever! Thanks to Uncle Jay for being here, as well as cousins Saul and Marsha. Saul and Marsha, Sundays just wouldn’t be the same without you. Also, The Chain Gang – Larry, Risa, Peri and David Chain – the best friends anyone could ever ask for. And last but not least, I would like to thank all my family and friends for sharing this day with me. It truly means a lot. Shabbat Shalom.
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