Susan's Speech for Tamar's bat mitzvah party

1. Welcome and thank you all for coming tonight to help us celebrate with Tamar as she reaches the age of mitzvot. I'd like to especially thank all of the good friends who helped me get to this evening in one piece. I couldn't have done it without your support.

2. As you know, Tamar, every individual has their own unique qualities. When a child is born, it is quite common for parents to pick a name that has some significance to them. Some name for favorite relatives no longer with us as a means of perpetuating a name and a memory. It is a way of connecting each succeeding generation to its past. On the other hand, some people look at each new miracle of birth as an opportunity for a completely fresh start - a means of celebrating the uniqueness of each new life. With your name, Tamar Chana, your father and I tried to do both.

As you know, Chana was my grandmother - your Bubbe's mother. Your interest and curiosity about who she was always makes me smile. I know that my memories of my grandmother will always live on in you.

As for the name Tamar, well I think I read my name dictionary from cover to cover for the whole of my pregnancy! The name Tamar always stood out not only because it was a tree (like your brother), but also because of the description which I so loved. It says, "from the hebrew meaning a palm tree, and having the connotation of upright, righteous, and graceful. Those were all traits that I could hope to see as you grew. I am pleased to see that you have grown into your name, and all that it stands for. I have faith that you will continue on the path that you have started.

3. Tamar, the parsha this week is Ekev, and I think you are very lucky to have studied some of it with your father, since it is also his bar mitzvah parsha. A few weeks ago, as part of our touring with our friends Mindy and Arielle, we went on a tour of the Mea Eden water plant. In the short film, which we saw in english, there were many quotes from the Tanach dealing with water. As we walked out towards the bottling plant, you turned to me, and told me that one of the quotes we had heard was from parshat Ekev - ". . . a land of brooks of water, of springs and flowing masses of water that spring out in the valleys and mountains." Michael, you should know that Tamar has truly absorbed the lessons which you imparted to her. I know the two of you will always be able to look back on this experience, and while you gained different things from it, I think you both will remember it as a very special time.

4. To you Tamar, I hope you know how very proud I am of you. Your accomplishments bode well for whatever responsibilites your future holds. Now that we are past all of the work and preparation you have put into getting to this time, let's just have fun! Although the beginning was rather rocky, once you felt comfortable with the choices you came to with the aid of your father, and Pam and Margalit, you put in the determination and effort we are so familiar with. The journey has been an interesting one. Thank you for letting me share it with you.

5. Tu B'Av - what a great birthday, huh? As you have spoken about the themes of Tu B'Av, I am especially touched by the faith and optimism which recurs. There is always the belief that we can influence and change things to make them better. With that thought in mind, I want to remind you, Tamar that you are at a new beginning. The possibilities are endless. Enjoy the journey.