Nathan becomes Bar Mitzvah – September 6, 2008

By Lenny Tropiano – July 2008

Nathan, your mom and I stand here on the bimah glowing with pride (you know all that Jewish kvelling). I reminisced recently to think that a little over thirteen years ago, at 1:30pm on the 17^th of August 1995, how our lives changed forever. You instill love and pride to each person that you come in contact with, that's the kind of son you are.

A few weeks after your birth, Rabbi Folberg held you in his arms right here as you were named, Natan Eliyahu, embarking on a journey to learn, love and embrace Judaism. Your name, Nathan, meaning G-d has given, is truly ideal for you. The time seems short but all too fast for us as parents.

Who are you today? According to the laws and customs, you are a man. We're blessed as parents to tell you all that Nathan is an utterly warm, empathetic and boundlessly sensitive person. His caring and outwardly generous nature is one of his best qualities. If it were more commonplace, this world would be a far saner and much happier one. Nathan hates to see anyone feeling hurt, in pain, or suffering be it emotional or physical.

Our son stands here at the bridge from childhood to adulthood, the ascension so to speak of his continuing journey of maturation. He's now responsible for his own actions, as he becomes a bar mitzvah.

Nathan's a smart straight-A student and continues to impress us all. He balances his Jewish learning, middle school including accelerated math; musical talents in band with his clarinet and one step away from becoming a black belt in Kung Fu. Math and science are his favorite subjects and he enjoys playing with computers (now that's a surprise?!) plus he plays one mean "riff" on Guitar Hero. He's fun to be around as apparent by his many friends; some of you are here today. Nathan has been described to others "strangers are friends who he hasn't met yet". His personality is instantly contagious.

Character is critical in life and Nathan's is one to be admired. Nathan for many years wanted to be a big brother, and he yearned for that day that Leah came into our lives. The sibling bond that Leah and Nathan have is extremely strong, and as a role model he leads by example. It's hard to believe in six years we’ll be repeating this all over again. Oy vey.

I'd personally like to thank a few folks today, my mom (Nathan's Bubbe) and my grandparents, Sylvia and Irving (of blessed memory) who taught me what it means to be Jewish, my dear wife for being a wonderful mother and for standing by me while embracing Judaism to raise our children (plus the many tired-less hours of planning and schlepping that lead up to this day), Congregation Beth Israel and Rabbi Folberg for opening their arms wide for us and lastly our dear families and friends who came here today to celebrate with us all.

Nathan, may G-d bless you and keep you, and guide you on your next steps in your wonderful journey ahead and know that we'll always be there for you. This is an exciting time and a wonderful day. We're filled with pride for you, our son. And best of all, we're filled with love. Amen.