It's All About that NES with Cantor Toby Schwartz

IT’S ALL ABOUT THAT NES

Our tradition tells us that Chanukah celebrates a great miracle. In ancient Israel, a single flask of oil designed to last just one night burned for eight nights, lighting the way for rededication of the Holy Temple.

There are miracles, or Nissim, all around us.  Just to say so seems trite.  But I would like to call your attention to the miracles that I get to see at Valley Beth Shalom every day….. Your B’nai Mitzvah children.

Pre-teens are an interesting group, many just getting their social “wings” and finding their friend groups that define them.   When they come for their initial meeting with their parents, they are unsure of what to expect of the entire B’nai Mitzvah process.  The kids are nervous about what will be demanded of them, and how they will be able to do all the prayers and read the Torah and Haftarah well.

We begin our 7-month journey of learning together.  It’s not always a straight path: some kids want to work hard with focus from the start, and some amble along the path at their own pace.  The finish line is always there, with the Bar or Bat Mitzvah date approaching.  All the kids make it to their Bar or Bat Mitzvah, but miracles happen during the weeks and months that I meet with them.  The small miracles are when kids suddenly realize that their day is fast approaching, and their effort increases.  The bigger miracles occur when those who have been struggling suddenly have the light bulb go on.  You can see the pride in their accomplishments in their eyes and on their faces. 

The hugest miracles of all are those children who face educational and/or physical challenges from the start.  These are the kids who have to put in the most effort, but don’t seem to mind, and are filled with joy in the B’nai Mitzvah process.  They come to their weekly lessons filled with love of Judaism and learning.  I think they are happy to have the same experience as their peers.  They are the ones who stay in my heart, because they light up like a Chanukiah at the start of their Bar or Bat Mitzvah ceremony.

All your B’nai Mitzvah children are the miracles!  I am honored to share in their learning process, and to get to know your families.  That is my NES, all year long!

Cantor Toby Schwartz