Graham’s Adult Bar Mitzvah

A blog post by Graham Humphrey, Visitor Services Coordinator. To read more posts by Graham click HERE.

All ready for the ceremony.
All ready for the ceremony.

Earlier this month, I had my adult Bar Mitzvah ceremony in the historic Lloyd Street Synagogue.  It was an honor celebrating it in the oldest synagogue in Maryland and the third oldest still standing in the country. I had relatives fly in from England, California and Washington State as well as guests who drove from Rhode Island and Ohio. I was also delighted that some of our volunteers were able to come in addition to my friends from the Jewish community.

Preparing to read from the torah
Preparing to read from the torah

During the service, I lead prayers such as the Shema and the Amidah. Rabbi Dinin did a wonderful job describing the significance of each of the prayers to the audience. My friend RLee sang a version of Shalom Rav and another friend Gereon read a Prayer for Peace. It was also very special having my parents read the Priestly blessing.

Giving the D'var Torah
Giving the D’var Torah

In my Dvar Torah, I tied in my love of sailing, traveling and the environment with my Torah portion of Shelach (Numbers 15: 37-40) and Haftarah portion of Noah (Isaiah 54:1-10). I talked about how since moving to Baltimore three years ago, I have reconnected with my faith through attending services at Baltimore Hebrew Congregation, doing service projects with Repair the World and socializing with other young Jewish adults at Moishe House and Chai Life.

After the service, we had a small reception inside B’nai Israel and then some joined us for a dinner in Little Italy. The next day, many of my family members joined me for a tour of the synagogues and were able to explore our exhibits.

The historic Lloyd Street Synagogue
The historic Lloyd Street Synagogue

All in all, it was a wonderful weekend. I would like to thank Mickey Rubin, who privately tutored me for the past year and for Rabbi Dinin who officiated the service and to Rabbi Mintz who offered B’nai Israel as the place for my reception. I would also like to thank the Jewish Museum of Maryland for allowing me to celebrate this special occasion at the museum. Don’t forgot, that you too can have your special occasion at the JMM. Please do not hesitate to get in touch with me to find out more about renting the Lloyd Street Synagogue for your bar mitzvah or wedding.

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