Dear Yonadav,

Mazel Tov on your Bar Mitzvah! Celebrating this special milestone in Jerusalem is extraordinary, and I want to send you my warmest congratulations and best wishes.

Shabbat Shalom!

In Parshat Vaera, Hashem’s words to Moses speak directly to you. Reflecting on your journey, the story of liberation from Egypt feels incredibly personal today. Your grandparents endured great hardships seventy years ago, facing oppression and struggle. Here you are, flourishing in the land promised to our ancestors—an incredible testament to how far we’ve come.

Yonadav, your path mirrors the story of Baby Moses, navigating a world full of uncertainty. Yet, you’ve reached this momentous day with divine guidance, family support, and community strength. You are indeed a “Gibor Yisrael,” a hero of Israel.

In these challenging times, the wisdom of ancient Psalms can be a source of comfort and inspiration. Just as our ancestors sang these Psalms in the Jerusalem Temple, we find strength in them today. Each day of the week, we draw upon different Psalms to uplift our spirits and guide our prayers:

On Sunday, we sing with gratitude for the world around us: “The earth is the LORD’s and all that it holds, the world and its inhabitants.”

On Monday, we honour our Jewish legacy and the Torah: “Hashem is great and much acclaimed in the city of our G-d, His holy mountain.” (Psalm 24)

On Tuesday, we appreciate our courts and judges for their role in justice: “G-d stands in the congregation of the Almighty. Amid the judges does He judge to see if they will judge by the truth.” (Psalm 82)

On Wednesday, we pray for ultimate justice: “G-d of retribution, Hashem, G-d of retribution, appear! Rise, judge of the earth, Give the arrogant their deserts!” (Psalm 94)

On Thursday, we celebrate creativity and music: “Sing joyously to G-d, our strength; Raise a shout for the G-d of Jacob.” (Psalm 81)

On Friday, we reaffirm our faith in Hashem’s care for the world: “Hashem is king, He is robed in grandeur; He is girded with strength. The world stands firm; It cannot be shaken.” (Psalm 93)

On Shabbat, we take a moment to praise and reflect: “It is good to praise the Divine, to sing hymns to Your name, O Most High, To proclaim Your steadfast love at daybreak, Your faithfulness each night.” (Psalm 92)

As you continue on your path of Torah and mitzvot, I pray that you remain a source of pride and joy for all who know you.

A heartfelt thank you and blessing also goes to your loving parents, who have guided and supported you to reach this significant milestone.

With love,
Abigail