SAVE THE DATE!!!!

Friends, family members and fans of Judah Samuel Goldman,

Please save June 13, 14 (and 15 if you are a kid) 2008 for Judah's Bar Mitzvah in New York. A Save the Date will be going out in the mail shortly but we just couldn't wait to get you this information. Please check this blog frequently as we will post valuable info such as:

• The schedule (hey, it's already here! scroll down!!)


• Accomodations


• Travel directions


• Special stuff for kids


• Background on Congregation Ramath Orah, the host synagogue


• If-I-Can't-Make-the-Whole-Shebang-What-Should-I-Absolutely-Not-Miss?


• Tips on what to wear (basically, anything you like, but we can also give guidelines)


• Cool things to do Saturday afternoon on the Upper West Side


• Judah's Bar Mitzvah themes. Meaningful ones! Like, from his Torah portion!


• Judah's pre-Shabbat cello concert


• Judah's Bar Mitzvah chesed project (akin to community service)


• Recommended reading on the Jewish ritual of Bar Mitzvah

The basic weekend schedule, just so you know, is this:

Friday, June 13th: 5:30 - Reception at Congregation Ramath Orah, The Historic Luxembourg Synagogue, 550 W110th St

6:00 -- Cello concert and program

7:00 -- Candlelighting/Kabbalat Shabbat Service

8:00 -- Dinner for out-of-town guests and Judah's friends

Saturday, June 14th: 9:00 -- Shabbat Morning Services (Back at Ramath Orah)

10:00 (approx) -- Torah reading, starring Judah

10:45 (approx) -- Judah's Dvar Torah (Bar Mitzvah talk)

11:00 (approx) -- Musaf service

Noon -- Festive Bar Mitzvah Lunch and Celebration

Afternoon: Free time. Walk to Riverside Park, Central Park, Columbia U. Campus, etc...

7:00 -- Mincha (afternoon service) Back at Ramath Orah

7:30 -- Seudat Shlisheet (Third Meal)

8:30ish -- Maariv (evening service)

9:10 -- Havdalah service

Sunday, June 15th: Trip to Rosmarins, Monroe, NY for Judah's friends. Buses leave NYC at 9:30 am (subject to change)

ALSO... a special email address has been set up for you, our honored guests, to correspond with us on Bar Mitzvah-related stuff, especially relating to accomodations. We are reserving guest rooms at the various universities and seminaries in the area, have solicited home hospitality and can recommend local hotels as well.

Please correspond with us at barmitzvahJUDAH@gmail.com.

Welcome to Judah's Bar Mitzvah! The Blog! We look forward to being in touch and having you be part of our son's celebration!

Shira and Ari