Heritage Bar Mitzvah Tour of Germany

The Bar Mitzvah Ceremony was the pinnacle of the day.

Debbie Tal-Rüttger conducted the ceremony. The actual service followed a prayer book assembled in advance by Debbie. The congregation participated, often in their own native language.

The Torah parasha was Numeri (bamidbar) 15: 8-41, and Haftara: Joshua 2, 1-24. Eric and Charles chanted verses 37 – 41. Aliyot included Eric, Charles, The Goldweins, The Barons, The Greensteins, Stanley Amberg and Christopher Willing.

At the beginning of the ceremony, Korbach Burgermeister Klaus Friedrich welcomed the boys and the congregation. He then provided Eric and Charles both with a remarkable gift – a framed picture of the Jewish School circa 1937. The congregation also gave a wonderful book “Alt Kassel” to the boys. Joel Goldwein also provided opening remarks with a German translation.

Korbach Burgermeister (Mayor) Klaus Friedrich presenting gift to Eric.

Bar Mitzvah Ceremony. Left to Right: Madeline Baron, Lizzy Baron, Richard Baron, Debbie Tal-Rüttger, Eric Goldwein, Charles Baron (background), Stanley Amberg.

Lighting the Shabbat Candles

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One of the most poignant aspects of the service came from the children at the end, when they chanted Kiddush. Two of the German boys (Robert and Fredrick) had a wonderful accent, and this added a special flavor to the ceremony.

Children – Chanting Kiddush

Charles Baron changing his parsha.

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