Steve Maller Photography

I’ve known Shelley since she was in elementary school, and it was a thrill and an honor to photograph her big “simcha” yesterday. Her brother Kyle and her parents Randi and Jim were all glowing with pride for Shelley, as were so many relatives and friends.

Additionally, I produced a live webcast of her bat mitzvah ceremony from Peninsula Temple Sholom for several relatives who were unable to travel to California because of health reasons. Aside from being a technological tour de force, I am so proud that I was able to do this mitzvah for Shelley’s family.

Linor celebrated her bat mitzvah in rather uncommon style today. Not only did her family have the ceremony at a country club (maybe to avoid the restrictions in a synagogue), but Linor herself led the entire service. Not just select parts, but the whole thing. It was really a “tour de force”. And instead of the modern tradition of doing a candle-lighting ceremony, Linor’s family and friends each set free a beautiful white dove, symbolizing the hope for peace. Mazal tov to Linor and her family…it was a thrilling day!

…and mazel tov to their parents Lisa and Bart, too! What a wonderful day this was for all of us who shared in their “simcha”. The kids (who are twins) were superbly prepared, and the “ruach” of the day was infectious. Their family roots go very deep into our community, and it was a rare treat that there were four generations in attendance, including all four grandparents, and even a great-grandma!

Jonathan and his family and friends gathered to celebrate his bar mitzvah this weekend. He was well-practiced, and it was a beautiful day at Temple Beth Am in Los Altos and evening at the Stanford Faculty Club.

I’m honored and excited to be celebrating and documenting Hannah’s bat mitzvah this weekend. We had a fun portrait session so that she’d have a nice, recent (and accurate!) photograph of her for her guests to sign.