Bar Mitzvah at Sephardic Community of Greater Boston | Brookline Family Photographer

Men and women are seated in separate areas. And as a female photographer, I was the only female in the men section, clicking my way to capture the ceremony. Quite an interesting experience.

Family and friends traveled afar from all over the world to celebrate this special moment together - Israel, Australia, New York and more. Which is so hard given the never ending pandemic and all the travel restrictions. Many people haven't seen each other for years. Capturing these precious reunion moments becomes especially meaningful.

As someone who's always fascinated to learn about different cultures and customs, it was fun to learn about Bar and Ba Mitzvah - Jewish boys and girls become bar or bat mitzvahs at age 13 or 12. After this point, children are held responsible for knowing Jewish ritual law, tradition, and ethics, and are able to participate in all areas of Jewish community life to the same extent as adults. I love learning about new cultures and meeting people from different backgrounds, one of the reasons why I love being a photographer.  

‍

Bar Mitzvah afterparty was held at Bona Pita. They offer some of the best Mediterranean inspired food in Boston.

‍

Adam, the Bar Mitzvah birthday boy, shared a very touching speech that made me tear up behind my camera. A poem Adam read to his mother to describe his love and appreciation for her:

“It isn't any wonder, your name was the first I spoke.

You were there to tuck me in and there when I awoke.

Your love and patience guided me.

You're a star above all other.

God was smiling down on me when he made you my mother.

I hope that each time you think about this special day, you think about this  poem. I hope it will be a reminder of how much I love you. You're the best!"

‍

I'm so honored to record these special moments for this very special family. ❤️