A not-to-be-forgotten b'not mitzvah

The congregants of B'nai Torah, a progressive conservative synagogue, were truly moved to tears at a recent mother and daughter b'not mitzvah.

The mother, Lisa Ravede, is a convert to Judaism. The daughter, Shoshana, has a chromosome deficiency and cannot speak. Together Lisa and Shoshana shared the special occasion on Saturday, June 15, which also happened to be the birthday of proud husband and father, Jimi. Making it a real family affair, brother Asher, who celebrated his bar mitzvah two years ago, helped lead the service.

Lisa and Shoshana spent countless hours and many months learning their parts under the patient guidance of Rabbi David Kane. Lisa learned to read Hebrew in order to chant the prayers while Shoshana signed her parts, and the congregation signed in return, having learned how to sign at prior Friday night services.

In attendance were school teachers and administrators from both Shoshana's school and her parents' school as well as special needs coordinators and directors. Not only was it a special day for the b'not mitzvah, it was a moving experience for the entire family and congregation.