Dear Rabbi & Freida,

A long overdue note to express our appreciation and gratitude for A..... bar mitzvah. In the middle of all the challenges the kids faced from Covid and the disruptions to their schedules and lives as they knew them, you provided an atmosphere that fostered A.... spiritual growth and knowledge.

Added to that the stress of my mother's illness led us to change the date of his bar mitzvah--twice-- and then her passing just prior to the event left little space for or time for family involvement in his practice in the months preceding his event.

While I'm sure that you have seen many various versions of bar mitzvahs over the years, I never imagined going into this journey that my family would need to be propped up and carried over the finish line as we did. I had faith that somehow it would all work out alright, but never could I have imagined just how beautiful and meaningful the day would be.

Your preparation and persistence with A..... shined through in his confidence and ability to deliver his Dvar Torah. His composure far surpassed anything I had seen in his practice at home and he was proud to tell us later that Rabbi Hecht had taught him how to look at the audience and speak directly to them.

Thank you also for choosing such beautiful tallis, tefillin, and bag, they are truly treasures he is proud to own and he will use them again at services.

A.... bar mitzvah was a special, joyous milestone we will never forget. S.... is already eager for hers in 2 years time!

Thank you again for leading a positive example for A.... and bringing him into his Jewish life

Joslyn C.....