Barmitzvah spans generations
A Bar Mitzvah has taken place at Melbourne’s Montefiore Homes Community Residence..for only the second time in 166 years.
Ron Kotev with his proud family at Montefiore Homes Community Residence Shul
Ron Kotev, a 13-year-old McKinnon Secondary College student, a passionate sportsman and a Jewish Care volunteer decided that Montefiore Homes was the perfect place for his Bar Mitzvah.
Recently, Ron wore his tallit for the first time at the Montefiore Homes shul in the presence of family, friends, residents and Jewish Care staff.
“I absolutely loved the heimish shul and thought that sharing my special day with the residents here was awesome! After all, when one reaches a certain age, it’s not that easy to get around. That’s why I wanted to bring my Bar Mitzvah simcha to their doorstep,” said Ron, while giving a handshake to every single resident.
Rabbi Yisroel Kohn giving Ron a gift from Jewish Care
Jewish Care residents enjoyed every moment of the joyous occasion — from listening to Ron’s Torah reading, hugging the Bar Mitzvah boy and sharing a festive meal together.
Rabbi Meir Shlomo Kluwgant delivered an emotional speech highlighting the significance of a Bar Mitzvah as an important life stage, transforming a boy into responsible member of the Jewish community.
Ron’s mother, Esther Lonkri, was very proud about her son’s idea too. In addition to giving nachas to the residents, holding a Bar Mitzvah at Montefiore Homes enabled Ron’s grandparents to join the celebration.
“My parents, who travelled from Brisbane, needed accommodation that was equipped to address their specific care needs, and Jewish Care helped to provide just that. They were warmly welcomed and enjoyed every minute of their stay,” said Esther.
With words of encouragement, blessings, songs, hugs and tears of joy, Ron’s Bar Mitzvah was a truly unifying experience for all.
Mazal Tov to Ron and his entire family!
in 1954 Rabbi Dr. Swarz who was head of Jewish studies at Mt Scopus. officiated at my bar mizvah at Montefiore . all went fine until the kiddush when the masgiach pulled all the wine and grape juice off the table because Sydney hechscher was not recognized in Melb.
spiritually i left orthodoxy there .although i did not realise then
ben
approved
Not being Jewish and wanting to understand, was it to do with not being a stumbling block..
It’s a pity if you left orthodoxy just for this…..
as i found as i grew up .for orthodox the letter of the law means more then the spirit of the law
one only has to see the treatment of the agunot for one issue
kol-tuv
r
THIS FROM A READER
NOT CLEAR WHAT THEY SHOULD DO
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