By COLlive reporter
Although Yudi Zalmanov did not have the large Bar Mitzvah celebration that was originally planned for this week, the young Shliach thoroughly enjoyed his special day of turning 13-years-old.
His parents, Rabbi Eliezer and Chanie Zalmanov, Directors of Chabad Lubavitch of Northwest Indiana in Munster, originally planned for a large bash to mark the occasion, with family, friends, and the local community in attendance.
But with the shutdowns due to coronavirus, they were forced to find other ways to celebrate and mark the special occasion in different ways which they had never imagined.
“We had a lavish party set up for Monday, with family and friends planning to fly in and join our community for the Bar Mitzvah planned for Yudi’s birthday,” Rabbi Zalmanov told COLlive.com. “Instead, his family joined Yudi for a Bar Mitzvah on Zoom.”
Joining were his grandparents Rabbi Yisroel and Sara Zalmanov of Crown Heights and Rabbi Avrohom and Nini Grossbaum of Indianapolis, great-grandparents R’ Betzalel and Dolly Rotter and Mrs. Rivka Chitrik of Crown Heights, as well as relatives from around the US.
As customary, the Bar Mitzvah boy recited the Maamer and then made a Siyum on Masechtes Moed Katan, which he had learned with his father. His grandparents and great-grandparents all shared their best wishes and words of Torah.
Earlier in the day, the community members of Chabad in Munster surprised the young boy with a car parade, driving past the Zalmanov home to wish him Mazel Tov.
After the online gathering, Yudi’s day wasn’t over.
The family gathered for dinner, and headed out for a limo ride through the city, which was Yudi’s “favorite part of the day after the Zoom gathering.”
“Even though it wasn’t what we planned, the day turned out to be amazing and very memorable,” Yudi said, adding that he is hoping to have a larger party when restrictions on gatherings are lifted.
“I’ve learned from this that you can always turn a situation around and make something amazing,” Yudi said.
Mz”t Eliezer, May you have continued Chassidishe Nachas.
Mazal tov Yudi. May you grow up to be a chassid, yiras shamayim, and lamdan.
Mazal tov yudi!
Wow! Yudi, I can’t believe that you’re thirteen! I remember when you first started at Cheder Lubavitch Preschool. You and your sweet siblings have a special place in my heart. May you bring much emese Yiddishe and Chassidishe nachas to yourself, your parents and all of Klal Yisroel. I am so proud of your accomplishments! Warm regards, Morah Lakey
Mazel Tov!!!! You should go from strength to strength and all good things.
From your former carpooler!!
PS. Although we disagree on baseball, it doesn’t mean it’s too late to switch teams, (although that won’t happen😊)
Mazal tov Yudi I remember when you were born now you’re 13!!
Grandparents
mazel tov only Simchas