The true JTA aficionados may recall that more than a year ago we launched The LifeCyclist, a blog dedicated to Jewish rituals and ceremonies, including weddings and bar/bat mitzvahs. We had to put things on hold because Sue Fishkoff, who was supposed to keep the wheels peddling, ended up becoming editor of the J, the Bay Area’s Jewish weekly (and a JTA client).
Don’t worry — The LifeCyclist is back. This time as a regular column. Sometimes will be looking at trends, often we’ll focus in on one family’s celebration.
We’re kicking things off this week with a piece by Suzanne Kurtz, about the inspirational bar mitzvah of the son of the late film critic Joel Siegel. Before dying of cancer in 2007, Siegel requested that his son, Dylan, become a bar mitzvah. This month his request was honored, with a service featuring an original play, a grandmother’s secret brisket recipe and a vanilla Torah cake just like the one served at Siegel’s own big day.
Click here to read the full story.Suzanne is also working on a story about the use of electronic invitations in lieu of traditional paper for a Bar/Bat Mitzvah or Wedding. If you’ve sent or received one, and are happy talking about it, drop an email to LifeCyclist@jta.org. And also drop us a note if you know of an event or trend that we should be writing about. We’re looking for stories that will help shine a light on the ways that individuals and families are marking the most Jewish moments of their lives.
Thanks for your help.
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