Dearest Aaron,

The Torah has been read, prayers said, song sung on key, speeches delivered, and candles have been blown out.

What remains are the lifetime memories of your special day.

We hope you will enjoy returning here to this spot on the Web, YOUR Bar Mitzvah web photo album:

From time to time, may you return to remember and refresh the memories of one of the most monumental and magical days in your life. 

Being a teenager has its challenging moments.  Amnesia can temporarily set in.  When the world gets you down and you're tempted to hold a one-man p.p.p. (personal pity party), visit this site, remember this wonderful day, and regain your perspective and positive outlook in life.

You don't have a Jewish grandmother who'd tell you, "It is never so bad it can't get worst"  (Anything can happen, deal with it), so this album may help ease those times by remembering your past joys.

"A joyful heart is good medicine."
~ Jewish Proverbs 17:22

May you remember how your parents glowed with pride for you.  (You were brilliant!)  One day, when you have kids,  we hope you will have "that look" on your face, too.  Should the memories fade, these will help you remember how your parents looked at you with such great love and happiness:

May you remember how your only sibling, Alex, was there for you:  taking care of your guests, cheering and applauding your grand entrance, lifting you high up in the chair, lighting the candle with you and lifting you up once again. Friends may come and go, but your brother is forever.  Right now, the age difference seems huge; one day, it will not seem so huge. You'll both realize that the other is the ONLY person who shares an exclusive common history with you.  You might even become best friends. 

Aaron, you were blessed with a mensch of a big brother.  Delighted to have a brother, Alex graciously gave up his only child status when you came.  We know this; we were there. He shared your parents' love and attention and became a caring and supportive (uplifting?) big brother.

Don't be too sweet lest you be eaten up; 
don't be too bitter lest you be spewed out.
~ Jewish Proverb 

Hard to believe, but even your rare fights are blessings.  Because of Alex, you've learned to stand up for yourself and fight fair; you're no wuss.

May you remember how they told everyone how dear you are to them. You were publicly acknowledged to all you care about and to G-d as someone who is very dearly loved.

May you remember what you've already accomplished:

No one handed this huge accomplishment to you on a silver platter. You worked for it. You've proved to yourself, your family and friends that you can undertake something that is tough, demanding, time-consuming and challenging and see it through to completion.   You stuck to the tasks at hand, never giving up.  You put forth your best effort.

The more valuable the thing, 
the more effort it demands. 
~ Saadia Gaon, Emunot V'Deot 933 Ch. 2 

As a result, you've already experienced what most kids your age have not: a  tremendous personal success and satisfaction of a job well done. Your efforts were acknowledged and your triumphant moments were spent in the spotlight, in the full presence of G_d and those you care about and love.

May you continue to strive to be the best Aaron you can be, knowing that you have a "safety net'  of a strong faith and people who are lovingly behind you. You are a beautiful, caring, worthy human being with a heart-melting smile, a sunny disposition and a good heart.

"Delight yourself in the Lord, 
and He will give you the desires of your heart."
~ Jewish Proverbs 37:4

You are already a winner.

In your life, elders will give you counsel and advice.  Be open to their wisdom.  Aaron, learn from the mistakes of others who have "been there, done that."  Why "reinvent the wheel" or learn the hard way?

>> More Jewish wisdom can be found here.  

As elders, we will not have done "our job" if we miss the opportunity to pass on to you some of our wisdom from our homeland. Life has taught us a few lessons, and we've encapsulated them here: 

May you always have Aloha and Mahalo in your heart. The spirit of G_d is in you.  Bless you.  We love you. 

With Aloha,
Aunty D & Uncle T,
O and Freddy B and Happy and Lucky, in spirit

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