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Changing the world, a first step

By ERNEST HOOPER
Published February 10, 2006

Young Lauren Phillips stood between two men so steeped in their knowledge of Hebrew they probably can recite ancient scripture in their sleep.

To Lauren's right was Cantor Moshe Friedler. To her left was Rabbi Marc Sack. Before her was an audience of family and friends, many of whom had driven from Valrico to Rodeph Sholom in South Tampa to witness her bat mitzvah.

In the center of it all was Lauren, who, like any 12-year-old, is probably more adept at chanting Green Day lyrics than chanting scripture. It was a perfect scene for a girl to become unnerved. Mom and dad, who eagerly had awaited this day, were ready to beam with pride. They were kvelling, I'm told.

Aunts and uncles had come from out of town. Friends were staring in amazement. I attended because Lauren invited my son and several other classmates from Mulrennan Middle School. It was a cultural experience we won't soon forget.

That's because under that intense spotlight, Lauren had to recite lines while reading a foreign language. Imagine reading English with words that have no vowels, and you will have a sense of the challenge presented by Hebrew.

I'm happy to report Lauren didn't miss a beat.

Admittedly, my knowledge of Hebrew is not strong enough to attest to her enunciating skills. However, according to those who would know, she was a bat mitzvah marvel.

The ceremony is designed to celebrate a boy or girl becoming an adult in their faith. It's bar mitzvah, or son of the commandment, for boys and bat mitzvah, or daughter of the commandment, for girls.

During a bat mitzvah ceremony, the celebrant has the option of reciting portions of the weekly Torah reading. There are seven portions but few attempt to read them all. Lauren did all seven with a strong and unwavering voice.

She displayed equal poise in delivering a personal speech, another bat mitzvah tradition. Lauren explained when her family moved, she had to attend Mulrennan instead of joining her elementary school friends at Burns. Initially, she was lonely and unhappy, but eventually found the courage to make new friends.

Her composure was impressive, but this was a ceremony about more than just reading Hebrew and sharing personal challenges. This was about getting a young person to show a true commitment to her faith and her synagogue. Yes, it was followed by an elaborate party, but the ceremony is what continues to resonate with me.

I guess some people outside of the Jewish faith may say someone who doesn't turn 13 until Tuesday shouldn't be required to handle such adult religious tasks. I see it differently, especially when I consider the challenge Rabbi Sack issued to Lauren.

After complimenting Lauren on all her many gifts, he asked: How is she going to use those gifts to help her people and her synagogue? How will she use those gifts to change the world?

That's a message no teenager is too young to hear. That's a challenge I hope my son takes to heart.

That's all I'm saying.

- Ernest Hooper can be reached at hooper@sptimes.com or 813 226-3406.

[Last modified February 9, 2006, 09:10:11]