Coming of Age in Fort Wayne

Our invitation to our friend's bat mitzvah included helpful hints for non-Jewish folks, including what to wear. We went to the ceremony on a Saturday morning, where our friend and neighbor girl had gone through Hebrew school and was ready to become an adult in her religious faith at age thirteen. Much of the service was in Hebrew, but there was a printed English translation that we used to follow along. The girl, Guine, led part of the service, including a section in which the Torah, in this case two large rolled scrolls in the tradition of Judaism, are taken out and carried around.

It was wonderful, seeing a young neighborhood girl grow up and come of age in her faith and tradition. There are two Jewish synagogues in Fort Wayne; this, the more traditional one of the two, is at a beautiful location in southwest Fort Wayne, easy to find from West Jefferson Boulevard. A female at this time is called a bat mitzvah, which means daughter of the commandment.

Guine was called to the Torah and in Hebrew, chanted her part in the morning service. There were readings from the Torah, and all the audience and attendees rise in respect when the scrolls, the Torah, are carried around the room. Guine and her parents helped the rabbi carry them. Many prayers and speeches were given, including those given by grandparents, officers in the synagogue, and combat service veterans.

Candy is distributed and then thrown toward the celebrant near the end of her performance to "ensure a sweet life." After the service, a traditional Kiddush luncheon was served. Bread was blessed and a variety of quiches, salads, casseroles, breads, French toast, and more was served.

After sundown and the end of the Sabbath, the congregation returned to the synagogue for the big party - dessert and dancing. For this celebration from 8 - 10 p.m., chairs had been moved and replaced with round tables. The synagogue had been transformed into a dance hall. A technician played popular dance music.

To the familiar Jewish folk song Hava Nagila, the party started with a call of everyone to the dance floor, celebrating Guine by dancing the Hora. Guine was lifted by her father and an uncle as she was seated in a chair, and they raised her over their heads. She hung on to the chair, and they danced around with the chair aloft. The participants held hands, formed a circle, and became links in a chain around the dance floor. It was so fun, and charming. An inner circle formed inside the larger outer one. The inner circle moved in the opposite direction, and it was great to see these dancers facing us. The smiling faces of the circle in front of us were fun to see.

The circle broke off and a chain slinked out into the table area, and on around the back of the room. Threading out among the chairs, the Hora kept going until the music finally stopped.

Everyone danced: the rabbi and his wife, as did teenagers, members, family, and children. So many dances: the Hokey Pokey, the chicken dance, line dances, the limbo - the gambit. And the food! So many desserts: cakes, mousse, cookies, lemonade, coffee, soft drinks. Another treat was a chocolate fountain for fruit - it was so heavenly.

Men wore Yarmulkes, the traditional caps for the head, that were distributed at the door, with clips or pins. Guine received a few presents, and there was a selfie photo booth. It was a fun, and not over-the-top, party.

What a great experience for a thirteen year old. Memories were created for a lifetime. We were so glad we went and danced the dances; and shared this special time with Guine, her parents, family, and congregation.