Bar Mitzvah Boy Recruits Only Guest

Instead of a catered celebration with family and friends, Yaakov Rodal marked his Bar Mitzvah over Zoom from his home in Lauderhill, Florida. One man there who wasn't family led to it being a double celebration. Full Story

May 19, 2020 – 25 Iyyar 5780

Photos: Levik Hertzel Studios of Miami

by COLlive reporter
Photos: Levik Hertzel Studios of Miami

Like many 13-year-old boys, Yaakov Rodal was excited to celebrate his Bar Mitzvah. A large celebration was planned and relatives were going to fly in to mark his milestone.

When coronavirus broke out, travel became limited and social distancing was required. So his parents R’ Chezky and Rivki Rodal, Lubavitchers from Lauderhill in Florida, planned a “Zoom Mitzvah” instead.

The online party had family members tune in from 5 continents, along with classmates and friends last week. Those present kept their masks on.

To make sure the video ran smoothly, the Rodals hired a videographer to oversee the visuals. When the Bar Mitzvah boy discovered that the man was Jewish, he was quick to offer him to put on Tefillin. The videographer couldn’t refuse and did the Mitzvah.

It ended up being a double Bar Mitzvah celebration, they told COLlive.com.